Charlie Warrington (pictured), 19, is the latest beneficiary of an initiative between the Carfulan Group and JCB Academy.
He will train under 3D printing experts SYS Systems, which is one division of the Carfulan Group.
Warrington joins three other apprentices who are now 12 months into a three-year specialised programme that is designed to develop their formal engineering knowledge and skills. They must attend JCB to acquire general engineering certification, with an additional bolt-on year following their initial training giving them an NVQ qualification.
Says Warrington: “3D printing is an area I’m really interested in and I’m keen to find out a lot more about it. I’ve really enjoyed it so far, it’s nice to get hands-on. I’m just focusing on learning all I can about the machines and progressing forward in my career. All the people here are very friendly, they’ve made me feel so welcome and I feel like I’ve settled in well.”
Working alongside experienced professionals, apprentices are gaining invaluable knowledge on health and safety, advanced mathematics, computer-aided design (CAD) software techniques and machine installation and calibration. This is delivered through both practical and theoretical methods, ensuring apprentices develop the wide range of skills they will need to succeed in an engineering career.
Adds Carfulan Group founder and managing director Andrew Fulton: “Derbyshire is a globally recognised hub for manufacturing and, working with JCB and its top-class facilities, we’re only too happy to be able to invest in local talent and help nurture the next generation of engineers.
“Our highly motivated young apprentices have made such a positive contribution to our operations in the past year and, thanks to hands-on learning in real-world scenarios, it’s been a pleasure to watch their confidence and skills grow. They have so very much to give to the industry and we’re delighted that they plan to do it with us.”
The plan is for Warrington to go on to work for SYS, with the other apprentices earmarked for careers with OGP UK and ZOLLER UK (two other divisions at the Carfulan Group).
