An engineering specialist based in Suffolk has teamed up with a college to help promote apprenticeships.
E Rand and Sons Ltd turned 100 in 2015 and has been supporting apprentices for decades.
Working side by side with West Suffolk College, the community supporting company based in Great Blakenham has sponsored Eastern Education Group’s annual apprenticeship awards.
Taking place on Friday 6 February 2026, the occasion is designed to showcase some of the talented apprentices that have been supported by the college in the last 12 months.
Bosses at E Rand and Sons Ltd are keen to spread a positive message about apprenticeships to the community therefore they have joined forces with the college (that is part of Eastern Education Group) via these awards.
John Cummings is the Commercial Manager for E Rand and Sons. John said: “We have always had a close affiliation with West Suffolk College. For example, we’ve seen former apprentices who have retired from here after fifty year’s service that came through the West Suffolk College system.
“We also think that we don’t have enough apprentices coming through into our industry, we believe strongly in these qualifications and we want to promote their benefit to others.
“My message to others is that the value of taking on apprentices is huge. They can help give young people direction and they bring on new talent – so I’d recommend people look into it.”
Lee Revell is a mechanical project engineer at E Rand and Sons Ltd. He was a former West Suffolk College apprentice and said: “I was there (at West Suffolk College) in 2009, did a four year course in welding and fabrication and enjoyed it. I’d say to others that apprenticeships are a great way of getting involved in work straight away. They help you gain experiences and you get to grow very quickly. I feel lucky hopefully to have done an apprenticeship and made a name for myself at this company.”
John Buckingham is the Mechanical Engineering Manager at E Rand and Sons Ltd. John said: “I was an apprentice myself growing up and I’m a big advocate of these programmes. I think apprenticeships are the future.” Seb Sharpstone, 19, from Wetherden is on a level three mechanical engineering apprenticeship and he is being supported by West Suffolk College.
Seb said: “I started in September 2024 and it’s been going really well. I much prefer it to classroom-based learning. I’m more of a hands-on learner. The support from the college is helpful. I now want to enjoy my career and become the best I can be. Apprenticeships are the best way to get a decent career in my opinion.”
The co-owner and Managing Director of Rand and Sons Ltd is Tim Waring. Tim said: “We have a very close relationship with the college, we have had some very successful apprentices in the past and we are delighted to continue the relationship and support the next generation coming through via our sponsorship of these fantastic awards.”
Joey Sadler is an Employer Engagement Lead working for Eastern Education Group. Joey said: “A big thank you to Rand and Sons Ltd. We love working with them and they love working with us and gestures like this (sponsoring our awards) helps our relationship go to the next level.”
