A major focus for FSM is to give talented people the opportunity to develop their skills in the manufacturing industry. These opportunities are offered in the form of apprenticeships covering various positions within the company, welding is one sector in particular that is a popularly covered by our apprenticeship programmes.
Why we focus on welding
At FSM we have focused on welding when it comes to apprenticeships due to the significant lack of capable welders out in the marketplace. This trend is the result of skilled welders being happy to stay where they are, leaving lesser-abled welders to navigate the job sector. This means that the general population of welders in the marketplace do not meet the standards put in place by manufacturing companies, which is where FSM step in.
How our welding apprenticeship programme works
The apprenticeships that we have carried out thus far have consisted of the apprentice spending one day out of the week at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, where they can learn about the theory of welding as well as the practical aspects. At college facility, apprentices will be taught how to competently apply welds in a number of positions that are recognised by the welding community, including overhead and vertical down.
This knowledge is then built on throughout the rest of the week at our facility where the apprentice will gain plenty of practical experience through the tasks that they are set, and by observing the techniques used by in-house welders.
Weld samples are created by our apprentices. These are sent to an independent accreditation organisation for destruction and analytical testing to assess whether the apprentice in question is able to provide aesthetically pleasing as well as structurally strong welds.
Our goal
What we want is for our apprentices to complete their training with the confidence that they have sufficient knowledge and skill to apply the techniques they have learnt to a variety of materials, such as mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium, in different grades thicknesses.
What our apprentices have had to say about us
I applied for my position with no experience in any kind of hands-on work and FSM has given me every opportunity to learn new skills, as well as gain valuable experience in a variety of fabrication processes.
From the very first day of my apprenticeship, I was shown the basics of MIG/ TIG by my team leader, and from that point forward I have been welding near enough every day since. During my time at the workshop at West Suffolk College, I was given the opportunity to weld in many different positions in preparation for my end point assessment. I have even had my programme tutors come to the FSM workplace to make sure that I am receiving proper support from FSM and that the work I am carrying out is in line with what is required as part of the course.
I couldn’t have asked for much more from FSM. The staff are friendly, easy to get along with and have always been willing to help when asked. Working with FSM has benefitted me greatly and I have learnt a great deal about the world of fabrication. I wouldn’t think twice about going back and doing it all over again if I knew what it had in store for me.
This testimonial has been provided by our current apprentice Jol, pictured on the right of this article. This image shows the moment before he is about to arc up which is why his shield is in the upright position.
If you are interested in talking to us about our apprenticeship opportunities and would like to learn more about what opportunities await you at FSM, get in touch with us today by giving us a call at 01440 762561 or email us at [email protected].