For over 25 years, Gen2 has been a key partner to engineering and manufacturing employers across Cumbria, delivering high-quality technical training that supports business growth and economic resilience. In a region where demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, Gen2 remains focused on meeting the needs of industry through a broad and evolving portfolio of apprenticeships.

Today’s businesses are operating in an increasingly competitive and technologically advanced environment. To remain agile and productive, employers require a pipeline of individuals equipped not only with foundational knowledge but also with the practical expertise and mindset to adapt, problem-solve, and innovate. Apprenticeships provide a proven solution, developing talent in line with business needs, while giving individuals the opportunity to earn, learn, and contribute from day one.

Gen2 delivers apprenticeships across multiple engineering and manufacturing disciplines, with programmes ranging from Level 2 up to degree-level, including our recently launched Level 4 Lean Manufacturing apprenticeship. This ensures that employers can invest in talent at every stage of the pipeline, whether they are recruiting new starters or upskilling experienced staff.

Our apprenticeships are shaped in collaboration with employers, aligned to industry standards, and delivered through a blended model that combines classroom learning with real-world application. With training centres in Workington, Carlisle, and Ulverston, Gen2 offers local delivery and flexibility to suit the operational needs of businesses across the county.

Beyond our training provision, Gen2 is committed to being a positive force in the community. A recent example of this is a collaborative project with Community Rail Cumbria, where Gen2 learners are building a sculptural flower bed in the shape of a ship for Whitehaven railway station. The project provides learners with a hands-on experience in design, fabrication and teamwork, while also contributing to the regeneration of a public space. Representatives from Community Rail Cumbria, including Warren Birch and Jane Murray, visited last week to assess progress and plan for the sculpture’s unveiling, currently scheduled for mid-August. The project demonstrates how vocational education can support both skills development and civic pride.

As Cumbria’s industries continue to evolve, Gen2 remains focused on providing the training infrastructure and educational leadership needed to sustain long-term success. By working in partnership with employers, we aim to help businesses grow, individuals thrive, and our communities prosper.

To discuss apprenticeship opportunities or to learn more about how Gen2 can support your organisation’s skills strategy, please contact us at or call 01900 701300.

Gen2 – Supporting Industry. Investing in People. Strengthening Communities.