John Crane, a global leader in flow-control technologies and an innovator in solutions for rotating equipment, and a business of Smiths Group plc, is marking National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February 2026).
The company is highlighting the impact of its growing apprenticeship programme, reinforcing how structured training supports talent development, business performance and long-term skills growth.
Across the UK, apprenticeships remain a vital route into employment and skills development, with over 350,000 apprenticeship starts in England in 2024/251 and more than 760,000 people participating in an apprenticeship overall1. Starts have increased compared with the previous year, underlining sustained employer and learner engagement despite ongoing economic challenges.
Through a focused and coordinated approach led by its Apprentice Steering Group, John Crane has successfully maximised the use of its Apprenticeship Levy, ensuring investment is directed back into people and capability rather than being returned unused. They have also strengthened oversight of training providers and driven a more joined-up approach to apprenticeships across the organisation.
Today, John Crane has 42 apprentices on a range of learning pathways across its businesses.
Of these, 17 new early-career recruits, joining the organisation through apprenticeship standards spanning Engineering, Marketing, Data, HR and Software. These programmes help attract diverse early-career talent while creating clear pathways into skilled, long-term careers.
The remaining 25 apprentices are existing employees who are upskilling or reskilling through apprenticeship standards in areas such as Coaching, Leadership and Management, Lean Methodologies, Digital Technologies and Project Management. This approach supports career progression, strengthens leadership capability and ensures skills continue to evolve in line with business needs.
Ruben Alvarez, President, John Crane, said: “Apprenticeships play a critical role in how we build capability for the future while supporting the people who power our business today. Whether someone is joining John Crane at the start of their career or developing new skills later on, these programmes allow us to invest directly in talent, strengthen our expertise and create meaningful, long-term opportunities. It’s about ensuring we have the right skills, in the right places, to support our customers and our growth ambitions.”
John Crane currently works with approximately 19 training providers across the UK, enabling access to specialist expertise while maintaining consistency and quality across programmes.
By investing in apprenticeships at every career stage, John Crane is reinforcing its commitment to skills development, employee growth and long-term business sustainability, supporting both individuals and the future of engineering and professional excellence.
About John Crane
John Crane is a global leader in flow-control technologies and an innovator in solutions for rotating equipment in the energy and process industries. Our portfolio spans mechanical seals, systems, couplings and filtration systems, supported by advanced service solutions and digital diagnostics. With over 200 service, sales and manufacturing centres across 50 countries, John Crane is an integral pillar of Smiths Group plc, a FTSE 100 industrial technology company dedicated to engineering a better future.
Learn more at www.johncrane.com.
- Apprenticeship statistics for academic year 2024/25 (England) — official Department for Education statistics covering starts, participation and achievements.
- UK government apprenticeship statistics (Apprenticeships, November 2025 release) — official statistics published by the Department for Education covering the 2024/25 academic year.
- House of Commons Library briefing on apprenticeship statistics — independent analysis summarising key figures, including starts and participation for England 2024/25.