Celebrating the Next Generation: Apprentices at Metal Solutions

At Metal Solutions, we’re big believers in hands-on learning. This year, we’ve welcomed two new apprentices, Oliver and Maxwell, who’ve just started their training. Joshua is successfully progressing through his welding apprenticeship. And at the same time, we’re celebrating Helena and Max, who’ve recently completed their apprenticeships and are moving on to the next stage of their careers.

Apprenticeships are at the heart of our commitment to skills development and local opportunity. They allow people to learn real, practical skills while earning a wage – and they ensure that our industry continues to thrive with fresh energy, ideas, and craftsmanship. For us, apprenticeships aren’t just about training – they’re about investing in people and keeping the craft alive.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer a path for people who want to build something tangible, a career, a trade, a future, gaining experience and earning qualifications along the way.  University is great for some but isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally fine. A lot of our apprentices say the same thing: they prefer to work with their hands and see something real at the end of the day.

Helena: “I liked the idea of getting paid while I worked and learning hands-on.”
Max: “I wanted something more practical than sitting in a classroom.”

That’s what apprenticeships are all about. Real work, real skills, and real progress.

Helena

Oliver

Maxwell

From Nervous to Confident

Starting any new role can be daunting, but our new apprentices have already thrown themselves into the experience.  Everyone feels a bit nervous at the start. A few months in, and they’re already building confidence and learning things they never imagined doing. That willingness to learn and adapt is exactly what makes apprenticeships so valuable, for both the individuals and the business.

Joshua: “It was nerve-racking at first, but I was open to learning new skills.”
Oliver: “There’s more fabrication than I expected, but I’m enjoying it.”
Maxwell: “It’s good! The early mornings aren’t my favourite, but it’s worth it.”

Learning, Growing, and Achieving

When we asked what they’ve enjoyed most, the answers came quickly:

Max: “The people.”
Joshua: “Learning new skills.”

Of course, there are challenges too but every challenge is another step forward and that’s where the biggest growth happens.

Helena: “Flashings were tricky, especially when we didn’t have diagrams — but I learned how to figure it out.”
Joshua: “The theory side of welding was hard at first.”

“Helena is a good team worker. She learns quickly and stays positive, even when things are challenging. Joshua and Max both have a great attitude and work well in a team. Maxwell and Oliver are new, but they already show a strong willingness to learn.” Raf and Piotr our mentors

Words of Advice

Our graduates had some great advice for anyone thinking about becoming an apprentice:

Helena: “Don’t expect to do the fun stuff straight away — it takes time.”
Max: “Don’t be nervous. Ask questions and listen.”

Their advice captures the heart of what it means to be an apprentice: curiosity, patience, and persistence.

Why It Matters

Apprenticeships don’t just benefit the people doing them. They bring new ideas and energy into the workshop, give mentors a chance to pass on their skills, and keep our industry strong for the future. And for the wider community, they create opportunities — helping local people build rewarding careers close to home.

“It’s amazing to see the progress from those first nervous weeks to confident, skilled team members. They’re not just learning a trade – they’re building a career.” Raf and Piotr our mentors

If you’ve ever thought about taking on an apprentice – just do it. You’ll be surprised how much it gives back. Not just to your business, but to your people, your community, and the future of our trade. We’ve seen firsthand that when you invest in people, everyone wins.