Metaltech Precision invests in manufacturing apprenticeships

Published - 30th Sep 2024

Investing in the next generation of machining and fabrication expertise

As a leading precision CNC machining and fabrication company, Metaltech Precision is proud to support the future success of the British manufacturing industry by investing in manufacturing apprenticeships.

In today’s digital environment, young people may not be aware of the practical and technical skills required to supply high quality components for performance-critical industries. Key parts for sectors spanning aerospace, marine, defence and renewables all demand precision CNC machining and fabrication skills.

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of a manufacturing apprenticeship with Metaltech Precision, and how we work to raise awareness of the future needs of British manufacturing.

Empowering young people with real-world skills

Apprenticeships offer young people a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience while they learn. Unlike traditional academic routes, manufacturing apprenticeships blend practical training with academic learning, allowing apprentices to develop a comprehensive skill set tailored to the needs of the industry. For young people, this means:

• Hands-on experience: apprentices gain the opportunity to work with advanced machinery, understand the intricacies of machining processes, and learn from seasoned professionals. This direct exposure provides a practical understanding of the industry’s realities, further complementing the theoretical knowledge gained from educational studies.
• Financial independence: apprentices earn a wage while they learn, which can help them achieve financial independence earlier than their peers in full-time education. This not only eases the burden of educational costs but also gives them a head start in building their careers.
• Career progression: an apprenticeship provides a clear pathway to full-time employment. With the skills and experience gained, apprentices are often well-positioned to move into permanent roles within the company or the broader industry, ensuring long-term career stability.

Strengthening the manufacturing industry

The manufacturing sector is the backbone of the British economy, driving innovation and growth. However, the industry faces a skills gap that threatens its future. By investing in manufacturing apprenticeships, Metaltech Precision contributes to:

• Future-proofing the industry: apprenticeships help bridge the skills gap by developing a new generation of skilled workers who are equipped to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. This ensures that the industry can continue to innovate and compete on a global scale.
• Encouraging innovation: young people bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. By integrating them into the workforce, we encourage a culture of innovation and creativity that is essential for the continuous improvement of processes and products.
• Maintaining high standards: through apprenticeships, we can ensure that the knowledge and expertise of experienced workers are passed down, maintaining the high standards of quality and precision needed in machining for critical applications.

Enhancing our local community

Our commitment to apprenticeships also supports the broader community around our facility in Somerset. The benefits include:

• Economic growth: by providing local young people with employment opportunities, we are contributing to local economic development. Manufacturing apprenticeships help reduce unemployment rates and increase the earning potential of residents, leading to a more prosperous community.
• Community engagement: as a company, Metaltech Precision is deeply rooted in our community. By taking on apprentices, we strengthen our ties with local schools, colleges, and families. This engagement fosters a sense of pride and connection between the community and our business.
• Building the future: by investing in the education and training of young people, we are helping to build a more skilled and capable workforce that will benefit the community for years to come. This investment ensures that our local area remains a hub for manufacturing excellence.

Raising the profile of manufacturing in schools and colleges

Metaltech Precision has invested significantly in building relationships and developing resources to support its apprenticeship scheme. Steven Ward, Machining Manager at Expromet Technologies Group, has been responsible from the outset for training, development and apprenticeship at Metaltech Precision.

“We have worked hard to raise awareness of UK manufacturing as a career choice, and in particular of our key role as a major employer in Somerset. Over the last three years, we have worked from the ground up with our local community – from visiting pupils in Year 6 and 7 (age 10-12) to joining college open days and careers events, becoming recognised as a substantial local employer. This groundwork is key to exciting young people and their families about the possibilities of training with Metaltech Precision.”

Manufacturing apprenticeships at Metaltech Precision

Our apprenticeships are set up to provide hands-on experience at Metaltech Precision alongside learning through one of two local colleges: Taunton & Bridgewater College and Yeovil College. We have longstanding relationships and mutual understanding with both colleges, who help us to nurture and develop future talent.

We have just taken on three engineering apprentices to start in September 2024. Two under Machining Technician – Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship and one taking a Mechatronics Technical Maintenance – Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. Both courses take four years, at the end of which we hope to employ successful candidates full-time.

Learning practical skills

Chris Hopkins is Apprentice Coordinator at Metaltech Precision and works with Keiren Gaylard to ensure that the apprentices gain good work experience in a safe environment.

“Our apprentices receive an excellent training, becoming fully competent and self-motivated. We hope they will want to stay with us, but if not, they have valuable skills to take on jobs elsewhere within the industry,” says Chris.

Chris and Kieran introduce the apprentices to Metaltech Precision during the month before their formal training starts in September, so that they have time to get to know their colleagues and working environment. For the first 18 months of their course the apprentices will then spend three days a week on site, increasing to five by the final year.

What do apprentices learn over four years at Metaltech Precision?

Each apprenticeship is different, but typically our machining technicians will have the following training on site:

Year 1

• 1:1 training one day a week with our Apprentice Coordinator learning basic skills.
• Two days a week learning how the business operates.
• Includes: how to use inspection equipment and read technical drawings; learning about geometric tolerancing; 3 months with our on-site tooling technician learning about different tools; 2 months in ‘goods out’ learning about dispatch, paperwork, wrapping, packing and environmental concerns.

Year 2

• 1:1 training two days a week with our Apprentice Coordinator learning more skills, including technical machining and practical projects.
• Two days a week in different departments at Metaltech Precision.
• Includes: learning how to set up a tool on a lathe; facing off; machining a piece of metal to a specified diameter; spot drilling a hole in the end; parting billet off. Apprentices are introduced to CNC machining, including simplified programming.

Year 3

Apprentices spend three months in each of four machining cells: Fixed head turning; Multi-axis mill turning; Sliding head machining; and Milling (including multi-axis). They get to know each type of full CNC machine and its capabilities in more detail, and learn different programming codes.

Year 4

Apprentices spend five days a week at Metaltech Precision, with time off to put evidence together for their final assessment.

Typically, apprentices will have a preference for one cell and will be placed there to specialise, learning the more complex skills required for their qualification.

Qualification

At the end of their course, apprentices will have put together a folder of evidence demonstrating their learning and skills, according to the industry syllabus we have agreed with the college (BTEC, NVQ, etc).

If they pass their assessment and final interview, our apprentices will be awarded their qualification: Engineering Technician Level 3 (equivalent to A level) or the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence). They are then able to move into a full-time job and continue to hone their skillsets with Metaltech Precision.

Apprentices also benefit Metaltech Precision

Our decision to take on apprentices brings numerous benefits to us, as well as to the manufacturing industry and our local community:

• Tailored training: apprenticeships allow us to train individuals according to the specific needs of our business. This ensures that they are perfectly aligned with our processes, values and goals.
• Cultivating loyalty: employees who start their careers as apprentices with us often develop a strong sense of loyalty. They are more likely to stay with us for the long term, reducing turnover rates and helping us build a stable, committed workforce.
• Succession planning: apprenticeships are a key component of our succession planning strategy. By developing talent from within, we can ensure that we have skilled workers ready to step into critical roles as experienced employees retire.
• Boosting productivity: with their fresh perspectives and eagerness to learn, apprentices often bring a renewed energy to the workplace. This can lead to increased productivity and the implementation of new ideas that improve efficiency and effectiveness.

A valuable investment in the future

Taking on apprentices is a win-win for everyone involved. For young people, it offers a pathway to a fulfilling career. For the manufacturing industry, it secures the future by addressing the skills gap. For our local community, it promotes economic growth and strengthens social ties. And for Metaltech Precision, it enhances productivity, loyalty and succession planning.

By investing in apprenticeships, as well as offering placements for work experience and T level students, we are not just building the future of Metaltech Precision. We are also shaping the future of our industry and our community. We are proud to play a part in this vital initiative and look forward to seeing the many successes that our apprentices will achieve.

To find out more about our apprenticeships, please visit our Apprenticeship page or get in touch with our Apprentice Coordinator Chris Hopkins by calling 01460 221737.