Alloy Heat declare apprentices as the future of the business

By Alloy Heat Treatment
schedule9th Nov 16

The UK’s first and only specialist in the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, Alloy Heat Treatment have announced a brand new investment drive of £50,000 in supporting their apprentices. 

Alloy Heat, who are located in Dudley, have placed their apprentices on Manufacturing and Engineering courses at the University of Wolverhampton and the course is financially supported by the company. They have searched for apprentices who are prepared to undertake Engineering studies as only full-time graduates can access Metallurgy studies. 

The company has over 40 years experience as a subcontractor focused solely on the heat treatment of aluminium alloys, they are the preferred destination for companies within all sectors of the light metal industry.

Alloy Heat Administration Director, Joanne Elliott explained: “We have got a strong investment in apprentices programme. We’ve got around seven people that have come here during the last four years. We have invested heavily in them and their education to get them involved with this company.” 

They pride themselves on rewarding loyalty and talent which is exemplified by their six current directors. Throughout the leadership team, they have a combined total of over 100 years of experience within Alloy Heat. Three of the directors kickstarted their careers by working on the shop floor at Alloy Heat and the business is keen to replicate this in the future. 

Alloy Heat Managing Director, Adrian Church explained: “We are aiming to get our apprentices to move around one or two departments, yet they tend to get very good in a specialist role. I anticipate that one or two of them will be selected for leadership or managerial programmes in the future.” 

The manufacturing skills gap is a hot-topic in Britain, yet Alloy Heat’s investment drive is designed to address the difficulty the sector faces. Apprentices play a crucial role in becoming the future generation of a highly qualified manufacturing workforce. Alloy Heat make it clear at the interview stage, that they see apprentices as the future of the company.

Alloy Heat Human Resource Director, Frank Butler stated: “Our apprentices are motivated staff members who are committed to their role and make a valuable contribution to the business during their training period, with some embracing the role of a Culture Champion.”

Alloy Heat holds NADCAP, AS 9100 accreditation, and preferred supplier status to many aerospace primes. The company can process components up to five metres long and three tonnes in weight. They can also offer rapid quenching into either polymer or water (hot or cold) if required.