Stellar looks to the future
A year on from the South Tyneside engineering firm’s establishment, its directors are setting foundations for further growth, with an office move and a first intake of apprentices.
Engineers Ryan Armstrong, Jonathan Daniels and Steven Hogg set up Stellar Engineering last year, having spent the bulk of their careers working across the globe.
Twelve months on, the firm now employs 15 people and provides 3D CAD engineering design solutions to some of the biggest names in the semiconductor, renewables, oil and gas and pharma industries.
In May, Stellar opened a new head office at Hebburn’s Monkton Business Park, capable of housing 45 members of staff.
The firm has since onboarded its first five apprentices, all of whom live in South Tyneside. They have joined through TDR Training. The plan is to recruit a new cohort every year.
Armstrong said: “Prior to launching the business, each of us travelled the world for work due to the lack of opportunities locally.
“As a result of the lack of work in the region, there has been a significant skills gap in engineering design. This is why we have established an apprenticeship academy to ensure the knowledge transfer to the next generation of designers and engineers in the area.
“The recent opening of our new office, coupled with extensive renovations, has provided us with an excellent platform to grow. We have created a comfortable environment where our employees can thrive and do their best work.”
The six-figure investment into the new office, apprenticeship academy and new software and hardware has been supported by £33,000 in funding from the South Tyneside Business Growth Grant, delivered by South Tyneside Council.
The project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth and transport at the local authority, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to support Stellar Engineering through the South Tyneside Business Growth Grant and to have them sign the South Tyneside Pledge.
“Both projects were established to stimulate economic growth in the borough and help create more opportunities for local people and what Ryan, Jonathan and Steven are doing aligns perfectly with those values.
“It’s vital that we ensure our future workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills to be able to benefit from career opportunities, and apprenticeships are key to developing that pipeline of talent. It’s fantastic that Stellar Engineering are providing these young people with that first step on the ladder.”
