Although the Board occasionally recruits qualified craftsmen from other industries, normally it trains its own. At present, the intake of mechanical apprentices averages about 130 a year throughout England and Wales.

Entry qualifications
     Apprentice mechanical fitters are recruited at the age of 15 or 16 from secondary modern or technical schools. Qualifications looked for are a good general education and a satisfactory standard in mathematics. Personal qualities include intelligence, skill with hands, adaptability and initiative.

Apprenticeship
     Apprenticeship begins with a trial period of six to twelve months. If, at the end of this period, the apprentice has shown aptitude and liking for the work and is keen to continue his training, an indenture is signed.