Apprenticeship programme answers skills shortages

Watson Steel Structures works in partnership with Alliance Learning, a training and business support organisation that plays a key role in helping young students get on the road to a promising career.

Watson Steel Structures is the name behind some of the country's biggest building projects, from The Millennium Dome and giant Thelwall motorway viaduct to Blackpool's "Big One" rollercoaster and the recently constructed City Of Manchester Stadium.

As part of a highly skilled workforce, the Bolton-based structural steelwork specialist operates a successful apprenticeship programme reflecting its commitment to "build" for tomorrow as well as today.

The company works in partnership with Alliance Learning, a local training and business support organisation that plays a key role in helping young students get on the road to a promising career.

Stuart Booth is one of the latest apprentices aiming to climb the career ladder at Watson Steel, which is part of the Severfield Rowen Group, the largest structural steelwork and erection company in the UK.

The 22-year-old from Adlington, Lancashire, explained: "After leaving school I initially worked on my grandad's pig farm before moving into retail work and then to a plant company dealing with excavators".

"My grandad's former neighbour told me about an opportunity at Watson Steel and I was immediately interested because I wanted a long term career with future prospects and a good salary".

"Working on a farm, I was used to getting my hands dirty and I felt the engineering industry was something I would really enjoy".

"After settling in here I was put on a six-month training course at Alliance Learning's Horwich headquarters where I studied an NVQ Level 2 in fabrication and welding".

"I was gaining practical experience in areas such as abrasive wheels and I found the courses very interesting".

"I then gained more in-depth training at Watson Steel, completed my Level 2 and am now studying a Level 3 NVQ, which I hope to complete in the next few months".

In between his studies Booth suffered a bad fall on the farm which resulted in him being off work for 18 months.

But so impressed was Watson Steel with his potential that they kept his position open and he was able to pick-up where he had left off.

Booth, who is currently employed as a Fabricator, working in plating, said: "I was 17 when I started here and after only six months I had the accident which really messed things up".

"But I am now back on track and studying for my Level 3 which involves one day a week with Alliance in a classroom situation which complements the practical experience I get during the rest of my time here".

"I am also about to take City and Guilds exams in various subjects such as technical drawing, and if all goes well I will soon be a qualified fabricator".

He added: "Without the apprenticeship programme I would not be where I am today".

"It has been a great stepping stone and an ideal combination of both practical and classroom training, backed up by the support of my employers and expertise from Alliance Learning who have been with me every step of the way".

"They have some very knowledgeable teachers and interesting courses".

"I thoroughly enjoy my time there".

"An apprenticeship gives you a future and a structured path forward".

Works Manager, Mick Mather is also an enthusiastic supporter of the apprenticeship programme and is confident that Booth can forge a prosperous and long term career.

"I am hoping he will go forward and become a foreman or supervisor in the coming years, because there is no doubting his ability", he said.

"The initial block course at Alliance was a very important first taste of industry about getting the basics".

"By the time students return to us they can change abrasive wheels, have knowledge of hand tools and generally have learned the basics of welding and cutting".

"The students have demonstrated a commitment to us and have developed some important skills on their first day back".

"They go to Alliance as boys and come back as young men".

Currently there are eight apprentices working at Watson Steel which specialises in the design, fabrication and erection of structural steelwork, fabricated plate work, tubular framed structures and specialist pipework.

Established in 1933, the company has a large profile of domestic and international projects such as airports, sports stadia, bridges, theme park rides, retail facilities and multi-storey buildings.

Its 160-strong workforce is capable of producing some 20,000 tonnes of fabricated steelwork per annum using techniques and equipment among the best in Europe.

The fabrication facility covers some 22,000m2 and is controlled by in-house computerised management systems.

There are five main fabrication areas each equipped with assembly equipment and overhead cranes capable of lifting up to 60 tonnes each.

Over the years around 50 apprentices have developed their careers at the Lostock plant, with help from Alliance Learning.

Mather added: "Alliance is on our doorstep, always provides great service and we can see through the development of the apprentices how good their training is".

Alliance Learning is a charitable organisation managed by a group of member companies and provides vocational training and advice for businesses and local people.

Complementing an HQ at Horwich are satellite centres in the town centres of Bolton, Bury and Leigh.

It specialises in apprenticeships and commercial training courses.

Alliance Learning's Chief Executive, David Guthrie said there are over 800 young people currently training with Alliance Learning in the Greater Manchester area, working with 390 local companies.

"An apprenticeship is work-based training working towards a nationally recognised qualification".

"It aims to develop an individual's knowledge and skills through National Vocational Qualifications and key skills".

"NVQs are designed around the skills people use at work and cover all types and levels of work".

"As part of the training programme, apprentices will also be developing their key skills which address the personal development of an individual and cover: communication, application of number, information technology, personal skills and problem solving".

"These standards are set by industry lead bodies".

He added: "It is very gratifying to learn of the way an apprenticeship has helped Stuart to elevate into the role he enjoys today".

"It shows the value and relevance of the skills acquired which have made a real difference and put him on the road to a very successful career".

Training can be delivered either by block/day release or evening classes at one of Alliance Learning's specialist training centres or even at places of work.

A wide range of occupational areas comprise: engineering, ductwork, computer aided design, motor vehicle repair, early years care and education, care, customer service, administration, retail and also warehousing and distribution.

According to Guthrie, the main benefits for those taking part in an apprenticeship programme include: you're in the real world; you don't have to sit in a classroom seven days a week to achieve an apprenticeship or an advanced apprenticeship; you can gain valuable work experience while you are training; it costs you nothing; and you get paid while you are training.

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