Barrett Engineering Steel Midlands are leading the way in showing that traditional industries can do things differently. With a passion for introducing younger workers to the steel industry, the company currently employs three local apprentices, and plans to increase this number over the coming year.

Apprenticeships typically last up to three years, and allow an insight into a career that no amount of classroom-based learning can provide. On-the-job training is coupled with an income, and can be supplemented with academic work and reading. Apprentices with the right attitude can find themselves starting from scratch in a job for life, which could see them promoted and moving through departments until they find their dream role within the business.

‘It’s challenging to encourage young people to work in this industry’ says Rob Fern, Commercial Manager, who started his career as an apprentice almost 20 years ago.

“We invest heavily in the apprentices we employ – two of our current staff are completing qualifications alongside their work-placed learning, and we hope we are providing them with a foundation in the industry that will see them working with us for many years to come.”

Rob and his team hope that the apprentices will grow into the business and become fully fledged employees of the future. The business continues to promote the schemes throughout the local community via word of mouth and through Dudley College. Apprenticeships are potentially available at both Barrett Engineering Steel and Barrett Steel Tubes, which are fast paced and dynamic companies.

Anyone interested in finding out more can go onto the government website, or contact Rob directly via email.

Pictured (L-R): Rob Fern - Commercial Manager, Brad Kendall - Commercial Sales Apprentice, Alisha Jarrett - Purchasing Coordinator and Ethan Donati - Commercial Sales Apprentice