Becoming an Apprentice

Apprenticeships are the main route into metals careers for school leavers. Most employers now recruit their future technical specialists and business managers into Apprenticeship positions to give them the best possible start and enable them to become valuable members of their company's team as quickly as possible.

Doing an apprenticeship gives you a structured career development programme, that is fully supported by the industry. It ensures you gain the skills, experience and qualifications you need to progress in your chosen occupation.

You will be fully employed by your company in a real position, such as an apprentice production operative, engineer, draughtsman or sales estimator, and receive a salary from day one.

Two levels of apprenticeships are available:

• Apprenticeships
these prepare you for careers as flexible, skilled operators or commercial/clerical staff, with the opportunity to progress to Advanced Modern Apprenticeship.
 • Advanced Apprenticeships
 these prepare you for careers as multi-skilled operators, commercial staff, team leaders and future managers, with the opportunity to progress to higher education.

Equal Opportunities

Metskill encourages and supports equal opportunities in the metals industry. Applications for apprenticeship positions are encouraged from all sections of the community to ensure the industry’s workforce reflects the communities in which companies are based. Applications from people with disabilities are encouraged, however it is recognised that the nature of some employment may limit access for those with certain disabilities.