Malton manufacturer saves the day for local apprentice

A Malton-based full-service sheet metalwork manufacturer has demonstrated its support to the next generation of engineers by taking on its latest apprentice, who was left without a training position after Forum Energy Technologies closed its North Yorkshire site.

Fresh Metal, based on Showfield Lane in Malton, has taken on 19-year-old Jake Shepherd as an apprentice welder in its fabrication department. Jake will study for his fabrication and welding apprenticeship at Derwent Training College one day a week, with the other four days being spent gaining valuable on-the-job experience with Fresh Metal’s fabrication experts. He aims to become Fresh Metal’s full-time apprentice later on this year following assessment by the college’s tutors.

Jake said: “After completing two years of my course with Forum Energy Technologies, it was unfortunate to find myself without an apprenticeship following the closure of the site in York. I was very grateful when Fresh Metal stepped in and offered me a new apprentice role with its fabrication team.

“Since joining Fresh Metal I’ve jumped straight into my new role and have been given the opportunity to work on a number of high-profile projects. The Fresh Metal team is really knowledgeable and I’ve gained experience across a host of different disciplines and applications since I started, which has been invaluable.”

Jake will now complete his apprenticeship with Fresh Metal over the next two years, where he’ll be trained by the company’s expert fabrication and welding team.

Charles Corner, Fresh Metal’s managing director, commented: “Jake has shown real promise since he started with us – his ability to apply himself to a host of different jobs is very impressive.

“We take on apprentices regularly at Fresh Metal, as we feel strongly about developing the next generation of engineering professionals in the region.

“As a business we’re constantly growing and developing our services to provide our clients with an even more integrated service. As part of our fabrication team, Jake has an important role assisting with the continued growth of the business and I look forward to seeing him develop his skills further over the coming months, with the aim of him becoming our next full-time apprentice.”