Building the Future: How FMC Trains the Next Generation of Friction Engineers

In the world of friction engineering, expertise is at the heart of every product we create. At FMC, we know that the future of our industry depends on the cultivation of specialised knowledge. That’s why we are deeply committed to training the next generation of friction engineers, ensuring that decades of technical skills are preserved for the challenges of tomorrow.

Our Approach to Training

We have been working with a local college for the past 16 years to provide a comprehensive training program. This initiative blends theory with practical application – apprentices typically spend the majority of their time working alongside seasoned engineers to learn on the job, while attending college one or two days a week to learn the underlying engineering principles.

From Apprentice to Leader 

The success of our program is best seen in our leadership team. Take Elliot, our Head of Product Development; he joined FMC at just 17 years old, straight out of school. Since then, he has completed both his apprenticeship and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Similarly, our Manufacturing Operations Manager, Jamie, began his career here as an apprentice. After completing HNC courses, Jamie is now pursuing a master’s degree, showing how we support our apprentices in their long-term growth to senior management. Many senior members of our maintenance engineering team and accounts department also started as apprentices with FMC, showing how we support our apprentices to grow. 

Passing Down Knowledge

To make sure our decades of friction knowledge aren’t lost, we implement a structured “buddy system” into our apprenticeships. This pairs new hires with our most experienced friction engineers, creating a direct pipeline for passing down technical expertise that can only be learned through years at the bench. Our company culture is based on growth, knowledge and supporting our team – and this is part of that. 

Delivering Value to Our Customers

Investing heavily in youth training benefits both our apprentices and, ultimately, our clients. By maintaining a highly skilled workforce, we ensure the production of higher-quality, more consistent products with fewer defects. This specialised expertise allows for better quality control and continuous innovation. For our customers, this means better-performing friction discs, greater reliability, and stronger long-term value.

Ready to start an FMC friction engineering apprenticeship? Visit our Careers Page to learn more about our opportunities.

FAQs

Q: How old do I need to be to be an FMC apprentice?

A: We welcome applications from school leavers, typically aged 16 and above. Our program is designed to support you from your early career steps through to advanced engineering qualifications.

Q: What kind of training is included in the FMC apprenticeship?

A: Our apprenticeship program combines hands-on, on-the-job training with one or two days a week at a local college. You will learn underlying engineering principles in the classroom and apply them daily under the guidance of experienced engineers.

Q: Will I get support to further my education?

A: Absolutely. We support our apprentices in their long-term growth, including opportunities to pursue higher-level qualifications such as bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

Q: How does the FMC “buddy system” work?

A: Our “buddy system” pairs each new apprentice with an experienced friction engineer. This allows for valuable technical knowledge and years of on-site experience to be passed directly to the next generation.