Project Engineer Adam talks about his Apprenticeship at Metsec

Adam has been at Metsec since 2012 and his interest in Engineering started at an early age. “I’ve always had a passion for how things work because as far as I can remember I was consistently taking my toys apart to see how they were made and what makes them work.” Adam Leddington.

Adam discovered Apprenticeships at a careers open evening where he spotted a banner that said ‘Apprenticeships-Earn whilst you learn’. Intrigued by this and after some research into apprenticeships, Adam found an apprenticeship vacancy advertised at Metsec.

We asked Adam what convinced him to apply for an apprenticeship at Metsec?

“There are a number of aspects that intrigued me to complete an apprenticeship at Metsec, one being that I was impressed with the matrix of the apprenticeship programme. From the first year being based in the apprentice training centre, where you are trained how to manufacture components from engineering drawings using machinery such as; centre lathes, milling machines, Pedestal drills, surface grinders and hand tools, i.e. hand files, hacksaws and various marking out techniques using precision equipment, whilst being shown the correct health and safety procedures in place at Metsec. The next two remaining years are spent doing a tour of the company, understanding the importance of each department and the key job roles on a day-to-day basis. I felt that this was a great opportunity to open my mind to the engineering world.”

After completing his tour of Metsec and having an understanding of how the business works, Adam felt that project engineering, maintenance and the tool room had his interest. A vacancy was available in the tool room which is where he completed his apprenticeship. His daily duties involved repairing and maintaining press tools for the divisions around the company, and manufacturing new tooling and spare parts for the rolling mills.

During that year Adam was given the opportunity to go over to Sodi-Tec Europe to complete a training course regarding the operation of their new top-of-the range electro discharge machine (EDM), which was then purchased and Metsec now has on site to machine high precision components used in tooling around the company.

After over 3 years in the tool room Adam was successful in a vacancy in the project engineering department at Metsec. It was the perfect opportunity for Adam to improve his engineering knowledge and to have a greater understanding.

Whilst at Metsec Adam was able to complete additional training and qualifications, these include; HNC Mechanical Engineering, NVQ Level 2 and 3 Mechanical Engineering, NVQ Level 3 Engineering Tool Making, Fundamentals of Autodesk Inventor, Sodick SLC 600G operation, Overhead Crane training, Counter balance forklift training, Abrasive wheels and VRQ Level 2 and 3 Preforming engineering operations.

“Coming up to a year in my new position in the project engineering department and I absolutely love the role. I enjoy getting involved with new projects whilst working alongside the other project engineers who enlighten me with their knowledge and experience. This is helping me progress as an engineer whilst on day release at Birmingham City University to secure a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I’m looking forward to my future within the department and I’m determined to help the business move forward.” Adam Leddington.

For more information on Metsec apprenticeships please see our apprenticeship page.