Metal Processing

This Apprenticeship covers a range of job roles within the metal industry. Metal starts as a mineral inside rock, which has to be extracted, purified and mixed in order to become a certain type of metal like aluminium or steel. Depending on its use – whether for a spaceship, car or soup tin – the metal is then treated, coated and shaped to fit its purpose. Metal processing deals with all of these things, as well as with recycling and the development of new materials.

As an apprentice you’ll gain a broad understanding of the metals industry by working both in the office and on the shop floor. You might schedule materials, monitor production processes, work on the floor as a member of a production team, test the quality of products, and learn health and safety practices.

On the Advanced Apprenticeship, you’ll take a leading part in developing and making a broad range of hi-tech products such as advanced engine components, surgical implants, oil rigs and structural steelwork, including the chance to develop technical and team leader skills.

The UK metals sector supplies raw materials for every engineering and manufacturing process, as well as other key industries like automotive, aerospace, defence, household goods and packaging. Metal will always be in demand, which makes for excellent job prospects.