Baker Perkins apprenticeship program fosters talent for over 100 years


The Baker Perkins apprenticeship program has fostered talent for over 100 years and could be your route to a future career.
Since the early 1900s, Baker Perkins, a brand of Coperion, has maintained a comprehensive apprenticeship program that aligns with industry advancements and emerging technologies and is beneficial to local industry and aspiring workers. The company believes that by fostering a skilled, adaptable workforce, it can continue to deliver high-quality equipment and solutions to its global customer base.
Founded on a tradition of engineering excellence, Baker Perkins recognizes the importance of cultivating a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in processing technology. The company's apprenticeship program underscores its dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where aspiring professionals can acquire vital skills and industry knowledge.
A well-structured pathway to a rewarding career
The apprenticeship scheme we run is invaluable. My own journey with Baker Perkins technologies began with a Machining apprenticeship, and the support and opportunities open to me meant I progressed through the business, and I am still here 46 years later.
Kevin has witnessed the impact of the program in developing talent that is helping to mould the modern-day solutions of Baker Perkins.
Baker Perkins’ apprenticeship scheme spans various disciplines including engineering, manufacturing, and technical support. Participants undergo a structured training pathway that combines practical work experience with formal education, often leading to nationally recognized qualifications. This blended approach ensures apprentices are well-equipped with both theoretical understanding and real-world application skills, preparing them for successful careers within the company and beyond.
One of the hallmarks of the program is its emphasis on mentorship and personal development. Apprentices are paired with experienced professionals who guide them through daily operations, oversee project work, and help refine their technical competencies. Regular reviews and support sessions ensure each apprentice’s progress is monitored, and individual goals are tailored to their strengths and career aspirations.


Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Inclusivity
Coperion and its brand Baker Perkins’ commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a core element of its apprenticeship initiative. The company actively seeks candidates from varied backgrounds, believing that a diverse workforce drives creativity and innovation. Its apprenticeship scheme welcomes young talent from different educational pathways, providing opportunities for those who may not have taken a traditional university route but possess enthusiasm, curiosity, and an aptitude for engineering.
Fabrication apprentice, Henry Graves, lists learning from skilled people at Baker Perkins, competing in the World Skills competition, and achieving a coded weld certificate as highlights of his first year of apprenticeship.
I find I learn the best through practical/hands on learning, so this program really plays to my strengths.
“My ambition is to be a fully skilled fabricator and to continue to enjoy my work. I would recommend apprenticeships – especially to those who enjoy practical learning styles and who also enjoy debt-free qualifications!”
The company's ethos centres around continuous improvement and learning, creating an environment where apprentices are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects. By investing in young talent, Baker Perkins aims to not only support individual growth but also to strengthen its position as a global leader in processing technology.
Supporting the future of industry through Apprenticeship Awards
Baker Perkins further demonstrates its commitment to developing young talent by sponsoring the 2025 Peterborough Apprenticeship Awards. The awards celebrate the apprentices and employers, shaping the future of industry with 14 categories recognizing outstanding achievements, including dedicated mentor and ambassador awards to highlight those supporting apprenticeships.