With a name synonymous with advanced engineering of the highest quality, and one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the aerospace and defence sectors we are 80 years old this month – and celebrating our history with a promise to keep looking ahead to the future.

In March 1945, with the Second World War nearing the end, engineering draughtsman Emerson Foulds founded the Middlesex Tool & Gauge Company. Over the years the company has grown to include many iconic names as customers, including Rolls-Royce, IBM, Chubb, BAE and Airbus. Today, the business is known as Middlesex Aerospace and employs over 100 staff at their advanced facilities in Basingstoke, delivering precision engineering services for major aerospace and defence firms around the world.

“Throughout our history we have continuously invested in people and technology,” said Laurence Foulds, CEO and son of founder Emerson. “It is the only viable way to stay at the forefront of quality and service to help our partners reach new heights in aerospace. Our vision is to continue to combine the latest technology with finding and nurturing talent engineers, both now and in the future.”

For over 75 years Middlesex Aerospace has operated an Apprenticeship Scheme, helping local school leavers turn into highly skilled and experienced engineers. “Our staff include many people who joined us straight from school, and we are proud of our track record in helping young people enjoy a long and fruitful career in engineering,” said Laurence.

Along with creating talented engineers, Middlesex Aerospace has continuously evolved to introduce new services to customers and expand their facilities when possible. “We are looking to grow capacity in the near future”, said Laurence, “and roll out additional services which will benefit our customers.”

“Being here after Eighty years is a major achievement and testament of the drive and talent of our staff. Now, with our people and desire to reach new heights in precision engineering, Middlesex Aerospace can look ahead to an exciting future.”

 

The arc and evolution of a company is often best seen through employees and their length of service. Middlesex Aerospace is among the steadily decreasing number of companies where people stay for many years, and even less where members of the same family have worked. For the Holder family, we are proud to have employed three generations at our Basingstoke location. Here is their – and our – story

The story begins in 1968, when Ralph Holder left nearby AWRE to join Middlesex Machine Tools as we were then known. Ralph and his wife had bought a new house in the rapidly expanding new town of Basingstoke. Middlesex Machine Tools were also a recent arrival, having expanded to the town that year, and Ralph joined the business as the Foreman of our Machine Tool Division.

Eight years’ later, Ralph’s son Nicolas Holder started his first steps in work as an Apprentice Machine Tool Fitter. The apprenticeship scheme run by Middlesex has consistently developed life careers for staff and given them high value skills. In contrast to his father’s role on the shop floor, Nicolas soon began spending time at customer sites to install their machinery. The process involved building the machines on-site, testing them to ensure they worked, then disassembling and transporting them for installation at the customer location.

So it remained until the mid-Eighties when Ralph retired and Nicolas moved on to broaden his experience. But the ties to Middlesex resumed in 2001; this time it was the turn of Cris Holder to walk through our doors. Following his father, Cris also began within our training scheme, this time as a Mechanical Apprentice.

Of the three generations, Cris has stayed here at Middlesex Aerospace the longest. Now, as Quality Improvement Manager, Cris oversees our work to reach ever higher standards of service to our customers. His father Nicolas returned in 2015 as a Detail Fitter, and if all three were able to enter our facility today, they would see both our past and our future.

While Grandfather Ralph may be amazed at the incredible precision work of our 5-axis machining solutions, he would also recognize the SIP Hydroptic 74 Borer. Purchased in 1962 the quality of its output means it still plays an important role in our processes.  Father Nicolas joined Middlesex Machine Tools, and returned to Middlesex Aerospace, yet he rejoined a business with many of the same people he worked with in the mid-Eighties. And for Cris, his time overlapped them both, with the move from machine tools to an increased focus on precision engineering. But all three would also see the same theme; how Middlesex Aerospace has pursued a continuous path of investment in people and technology to stay at the forefront of quality and service.

For any young student looking at their choices after school the same question will always come up; What’s an apprenticeship like? Is it really a viable option to university? And does it really contain a mix of academic study and practical experience?

The best way to answer that is to ask some of our apprentices here at Middlesex Aerospace. So, we came up with a few questions to put to them. Here’s how Tomasz and Alan have found the experience of learning in a work environment during the first steps towards an exciting career as an engineer in the aerospace sector.

What made you decide to join an engineering apprenticeship?

Tomasz: I decided to take on the challenge of an apprenticeship to help me improve my problem-solving skills and practical skills. Working in engineering allowed me to learn real life skills and opened new opportunities for me.

Alan: From a young age, I was inspired by my grandfather, an engineer for AWE and Lancing Bagnall, and always loved exploring how things worked. In secondary school my DT teacher, Mr. Wills, encouraged me to attend an open evening at BCoT. I initially went with motorsport in mind but became captivated by engineering. I discovered Middlesex Aerospace and was fascinated by the helicopter parts they showcased. That experience solidified my interest and eventually secured an apprenticeship.

 

Has the reality of life as an apprentice matched your expectations?

Tomasz: Working in an engineering environment has been a fulfilling experienced that taught me things I never knew existed.I see and learn new things everyday at my apprenticeship which so far has made my experience positive and certainly lived up to my expectations.

Alan: I expected more hands-on work, which has been true, but it’s also been great to see the full scope of the business. Day-to-day life hasn’t held many surprises but has kept me engaged with a mix of tasks.

 

What made you choose to be an apprentice engineer rather than study full-time?

Tomasz: To choose the ability to study and work at the same time was a game changer for me. When I complete my Apprenticeship I will have learned real world experience and managed to get my diplomas in engineering courses. This means I am more valuable to employers and also have the choice to further educate myself in university.

Alan: I wanted the balance of earning while learning and gaining hands-on experience. Working with experienced engineers has given me insights beyond a classroom setting. Having both college and on-the-job learning means I can apply theories practically, and even compare approaches between work and college, using each as a grounding point.

 

How do you find the mix of college study and on-the-job learning?

Tomasz: Going to college and work on a weekly 20/80 split is a healthy mix between learning practical and theoretical skills. It allows for positive ideas to be shared between fellow apprentices from different companies. This broadens knowledge on different industries and companies around your local area.

Alan: The overlap between college theory and practical work is limited, except in areas like project management. My strategy has been straightforward: tackle tasks as soon as possible and aim to do them well.

 

Has learning practical skills given you a better insight into how you want to pursue your career?

Tomasz:  During my apprenticeship I get to cover many subjects and work in different departments in my workplace. This gives me a clear view into engineering companies and what opportunities these companies have to offer me. So I have a broad insight into career paths they want to dive into upon completion of their apprenticeship.

Alan: Definitely. Through my HND, I’ve become interested in CAD design and simulation, and working with real-world equipment has also shaped my specialization goals.

 

What would you say to students looking at their career options in engineering?

Tomsz: Apprenticeships prepare you for difficulties and responsibilities you will encounter when working full time in the engineering industry. You will learn how to communicate with others, work with machines, tools and computer software. This is what’s an apprenticeship like. They are a fantastic choice for passionate young people and students. You learn a broad range of interesting skills that will set you up positively for the future.

Alan: I’d recommend apprenticeships, not just for hands-on roles but for opportunities across engineering firms in areas like finance, purchasing, or IT. I became a CMM programmer—a field I hadn’t considered before joining Middlesex Aerospace. My advice: focus on continuous improvement, and remember that sometimes bringing a fresh perspective is as valuable as following established practices.

 

If you are looking at your post-school options and want to follow a career in engineering, make sure you get yourself to a BCoT open day to discover more about their excellent courses. You can also contact us to find out how you can become an apprentice with Middlesex Aerospace.

Today is a very special National Manufacturing Day in Basingstoke. This year the event will also mark the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. It seems quite incredible to think we also moved to the town in 1974.

Since relocating to Basingstoke we have enjoyed immense success, supported by the many talented local people who have worked here. It is their drive and ingenuity that has played such a vital role in placing us at the pinnacle of precision engineering. From adopting new ideas to reach unimaginable standards in quality, to coming up with great ways to reduce our impact on the environment, so many of the great successes we have enjoyed have been down to the local people who choose to work here.

We have also been able to play a part in shaping the careers of many apprentices in the vicinity. In 2018 we achieved 1,000 apprentices trained in our facilities, many of whom were from the Basingstoke area. It’s a record we aim to continue as we look for the next generation of engineers in local schools to come and work with us while they learn at BCoT.

So, congratulations to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on reaching 50 years. We appreciate your continued support to manufacturing companies in the town and look forward to working with you to make Basingstoke a great, sustainable place to work.

In 2022 we were asked to help support Winklebury Wizards, a local junior football team. The time and effort put in by so many volunteers to help young people develop their fitness and find new friends really impressed us. And so we pledged to sponsor their U-10 side.

Since then the team has gone on to enjoy some memorable success, including winning their league – which is a terrific result for them. So, when it came to deciding whether to continue our support, it really was not a difficult decision to make.

We are very proud to once again support a local community group help children stay fit and healthy and develop vital social skills and friendships. Go, Wizards!

At Middlesex Aerospace we continue to be committed to helping students learn about work and their career choices in precision engineering. The options for student today has never been so wide – and competition for the attention of students has never been as fierce.  By providing this helping hand to students, we believe we give an excellent insight into our industry. Our continued support of Basingstoke College of Technology has helped some promising talent take their steps as engineers. And we complement this by visiting schools to gives talks and practical help to the students.

In the last few weeks we have been invited to two local schools to present about careers in engineering and help with advice.

At The Blue Coat School in Basingstoke we were joined by Amy Valles and Jess Payne, both ex-apprentices, to hold a Q&A with students. During the 45-minute sessions we were asked questions on a wide range of topics concerning careers in engineering. The students were also interested to learn about what life was like working in such a varied and demanding environment, where it is important to continually learn and improve your skills every day. To provide a tangible substance to our talks, we brought in a series of components we create within our facilities. These were available for the students to examine and see for themselves the end results of the talented staff we employ.

Our second invitation was to spend two days at Bishop Challoner School. Michael Clarkson went along to give a series of 4 presentations to pupils during the first day. One the second, he undertook mock interviews with students to give them a taste of what to expect when meeting with future potential employers. After each interview Michael offered advice to each student to help them refine and improve their interview technique.

It was a pleasure to be invited to be asked to speak with pupils at the two schools, and we hope they were encouraged by our presentations to look further into the exciting world of precision engineering.

For over 70 years Middlesex Aerospace has been actively nurturing talented school leavers and developing them into leading engineers. It’s a track record we are very product of, with many of our longest serving employees starting out as apprentices.

Maintaining an active apprentice scheme means we have to be continually on the lookout for a new intake. To do this, we go out and talk about the world of precision engineering to budding engineers at schools and colleges across the local area.

In February, Middlesex Aerospace could be found at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) at their first careers fair of the year.  This was followed up by a talk at the College in March to a group of students. This gave them the chance to hear about how they can start their careers with us.

First steps into the world of work

May will be a busy time for our search for future engineering talent. The start of the month will see 15 students from Bishop Challenor Secondary School visit our facilities. They will be taken round for a guided tour and informal chat. They can also ask any questions they may have about why they should choose an apprenticeship. Giving them a clearer picture of the advantages compared to going into higher education for an academic degree.

At the same time, we will start a short programme of work experience. 2 students from The Costello School will be here at the start of May to get a taste of work in our facilities. While in July students from The Hurst School in Tadley and Robert May’s School in Odiham will be spending time with us.

Committed to finding talented engineers of the future

For thousands of students every year, apprentice schemes present a far more attractive career path that is better suited to their abilities.  The opportunity to gain highly valued skills – and earn at the same time – is a compelling reason to become an apprentice with Middlesex Aerospace. And with demand for our work in the aerospace engineering sector continually growing, we believe it is a career path with a real long term future ahead.

 

 

As a long-standing partner of Basingstoke College of Technology, we attended their recent Apprentice Recruitment Fair. It was as ever a superb event and there was a lot of interest from students looking for work placements and apprenticeships with Middlesex.

Later, we visited a local school to talk about Middlesex Aerospace and our apprenticeship scheme. We wanted to give students a clear picture of what they could expect – and what was expected of them – from an apprenticeship.

During the presentations the student asked some excellent questions about apprenticeships. We thought they were worth setting down below for other students to read and consider.

What is the advantage of an Apprenticeship over going to University?

The key advantage is you learn practical skills through an apprenticeship with a more hands on approach and you spend time learning all parts of the business. University is more theory. You get paid a wage with other benefits such as annual leave. And, unlike University, your courses are free plus Middlesex Aerospace will support you through further education to obtain your degree.

How do I apply for an apprenticeship with Middlesex?

Our advice is to get a placement at BCoT first. Then you can apply to do a work placement with us. This gives you a good idea of the company, and it gives us a chance to see you in person. If you do well, it could lead to an apprenticeship offer.

What grades do I need to get the chance of an apprenticeship with Middlesex?

Grades are not the important thing here. In fact, we don’t tend to consider them. What we are concerned with is how you perform through work placement, your attendance, punctuality, how you listen and communicate, and of course your enthusiasm.

Is becoming a Middlesex apprentice just about manufacturing components?

While this is the core of our business, there is so much more to learn. Within an apprenticeship scheme you get to learn all parts of the business which will include manufacturing components, NDT quality control, NPI, sales, purchasing and IT.

How long is an apprenticeship with Middlesex?

The typical scheme length is 3.5 years. However, this can last longer if you take more courses.

Will I get an opportunity to see where the components Middlesex make go on the aircraft?

Absolutely. We arrange customer site visits where you will see where our parts go on the aircraft. We also give you opportunities to attend other events, such as apprentice fairs and engineering exhibitions.

Each year, thousands of young people look at what their next steps may be after leaving school. For those with an interest in engineering, they may believe the only path available is to go to a University or Further Education college for another round of full-time study. But for many students there is another option – become an apprentice.

Middlesex Aerospace has operated apprentice schemes for over 70 years. During this time we have helped many young people turn their talent into a rewarding career in engineering. Recently we began a close partnership with Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) to help students take their first steps in the aerospace industry.

Helping Students Get into Aerospace Engineering

Middlesex Aerospace operates a sponsorship scheme for entry level students who wish to pursue a career in engineering. The programme is a departure from the traditional post-graduate selection process favoured by other companies.

Our scheme is open to students on a full time engineering course at BCoT and have successfully completed their first year. For the students who complete this stage, we then consider their suitability for a place within our apprenticeship scheme.

Earn While You Learn

As part of the apprenticeship scheme we sponsor students to continue at BCoT for a further 3 years to graduate. At the same time, apprentices also work with highly experienced engineers. This helps them to develop invaluable skills and experience in an aerospace engineering environment.

It means every apprentice can achieve a recognised qualification and show they already bring some experience to their role. Putting them ahead of their fellow students.

Becoming a Middlesex Aerospace Apprentice

Applicants to the Middlesex Apprentice Scheme are preferred to have successfully completed their first year on a full time engineering course at BCoT. Chosen candidates are asked to join the company for one week. This time gives them valuable insight into the apprenticeship scheme and show their suitability for a place.

From this stage, candidates are taken through a formal interview, and those selected are offered a three year apprenticeship within the company. During this time the apprentice would attend BCoT on a day release basis to study for further qualifications.

If you are not an engineer but wish to pursue a career in business, we also consider applications for other areas within our business. These can be within our office functions, such as finance, purchasing, or IT. The entry requirements for these departments will vary and would be provided on application. For further details contact us – or see below.

See us at the BCoT Apprenticsehip Fair

During Monday 5^th February we will be at Basingstoke College of Technology to meet with apprentice candidates. The BCoT Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair is your chance to find out more about how apprenticeships work. We’ll be delighted to explain more about our Apprentice Scheme to you in person and take a look at your cv too. If you have a passion for engineering and want to become part of our team, come and see us at the BCoT Apprentice Fair.

 

It is now just hours to go before we can say goodbye to 2023. But unlike this time last year, we’ll be saying it with some degree of sadness. The last 12 months are ones we will happily remember. With aircraft production increasing and new enquiries from major manufacturers, it seemed the hard work put in to invest in our facilities and processes was worth it.

So what can we expect to see during 2024? It’s fair to say that as aircraft manufacturers ramp up production to meet the pent-up demand for more planes, we believe this will result in an increase in both current and new orders to help meet their targets. Also, the amount of interest we found in our work while at major events during the year proved that there is still huge demand for UK precision engineering and the unique skills and experience we bring to Tier-One supply chains.

We are thankful that the hard work we put in during the last years is proving so attractive to customers new and old. And we look forward to a 12 months where we will continue to strive to meet ever higher standards and help our partners achieve their targets.

But for now, we wish both you and all our partners a Happy New Year. Here’s to a wonderful 2024 for you all.