Alloy Heat Treatment invests on apprenticeship schemes to improve skill gap

Alloy Heat Treatment has taken up apprenticeship schemes to repair skill gap, improve craftsmanship, and grow a successful business.

“The selection process was performed by advertising in the local press and carrying out interviews, before selecting appropriate academic support from local colleges for each of the successful candidates.” explains quality manager Steve Roberts.

“On the job training is vital to UK businesses but, to work well, apprenticeships schemes need to run with an academic discipline supporting them,” he added.

AHT hired apprentices from Dudley College and Halesowen College to provide academic input. The apprentices are working in the Quality Department, Engineering Department and in accounts and reception. They have been carrying out general metallurgical, pyrometry and inspection duties, maintenance duties and others related to accounts.

“AHT are currently in the process of investing in the facilities used for serving the aircraft industries. These facilities require the input of the quality department, where three of the apprentices are working.

The transport sector is relying on the aluminium industry for new body shells for high-speed trains, trams, and buses due to its energy saving, design flexibility & lightweighting qualities. They believe improved aluminium casting technologies can result upto 50% weight reduction and similar ground-breaking solutions.

AHT therefore foresees a bright future in Alloy Heat Treatment business and justifies investment in apprentices as tomorrow’s leaders.

“Over many years industry has been losing skilled technologists and engineers and not replacing them with newly qualified people. Our aim is to motivate a new generation of young people within our small company to train and gain formal qualifications to ensure the long term survival of the business.” says managing director Adrian Church.