Kilmarnock-based Brodie Engineering is set to take on more apprentices this summer, alongside offering student placements as it continues to grow its workforce. The rail engineering firm operates two sites in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, employing nearly 150 people.
Apprenticeship and Placement Expansion
The family-run business, which specialises in maintaining, refurbishing and overhauling passenger and freight trains, plans to take on up to five more apprentices in August as part of a partnership with Ayrshire College. Additionally, a summer placement programme will cater for three undergraduates who have shown an enthusiasm to get involved in the industry.
Brodie Engineering’s apprenticeship programme has a strong track record of success, demonstrated by employees like Danny Barclay, who joined the business before going on to become an apprentice, and has now marked 15 years with the company, rising to the role of production supervisor.
Opportunities for Local Youth
Debbie Hilferty, Director at Brodie Engineering, said: “We aim to give our apprentices and those on the summer placements some really good experience on the shop floor, so it is ideal for those who want to be welders, coach builders, engineers or get exposure to other business functions like human resources.”
“Brodie Engineering has been a family-run business for 30 years and is one of only two companies of its type in Scotland, so, for those with an enthusiasm for engineering and the rail industry, this is a great opportunity to build a career. Many of our previous apprentices have done just that.”
Commitment to Quality and Growth
“We are always on the lookout for people with a genuine interest in this area, who can bring enthusiasm along with a strong work ethic and a commitment to high standards – all of which are key to helping us continue to deliver a quality service to the rail industry,” Hilferty added.
Recently, placement student Amelie Warnes completed her time with Brodie Engineering, having gained valuable experience across HR, finance, purchasing and marketing - insight that has helped shape a clear career path she now hopes to pursue.
Investing in the Next Generation
Debbie added: “We know nurturing the skills of the next generation and investing in young people in particular is essential to the long-term strength and sustainability of our business. We are also proud of being able to offer young people in Kilmarnock and Ayrshire the opportunity to work in an exciting industry – particularly at a time when we know young people are struggling to find work.”
“At Brodie Engineering, they will get the chance to work on some really impressive rail vehicles, which are often stripped right back when they come in for an overhaul.”
Company History and Expansion
Since being founded in 1996, demand for Brodie Engineering’s high-quality expertise has grown, seeing it expand its operations and workforce. In 2020, it added to its existing Bonnyton Works site in Kilmarnock by acquiring and reopening the historic Caledonia Works site on the other side of the town’s rail track. The business then entered another new phase of growth in 2024 when one of the UK’s leading rolling stock financiers Porterbrook, acquired a 49 per cent shareholding in the company, enabling Brodie to double its workforce in just two years as new streams of work have been opened up.
