Welder/Fabricator Review

As a welder and fabricator at William Hare's my role is to fabricate plates and beams correctly and once complete and fitted depending on what it is we are doing we will sometimes have to weld certain items before welding them to the beam as we do deal with a decent amount of tricky/tight welding spaces. Our role is also to keep everybody in the factory and offices as safe as possible by following all rules and regulations set to us. On a day to da this will involve arriving at work and receiving all tools and necessity's we will need for the day, through-out a days work we will almost certainly use all, gas cutters, grinders and welders at least, sometimes needlepoint grinders and gas cutting tracks instead of a handheld gun. A general days work will also include tidying up at the end of the day to make sure the factory is in the same working state as it was when we arrived that morning. We generally use gas cutters to cut preps on plates, webs and flanges, we use grinders for a similar thing but this is to finish off the cut and give it a smooth finish.

Everything I can do now I have learnt through this William Hare's apprenticeship so all welding skills and terminology I have learnt because this apprenticeship scheme has provided me with good training and a decent background knowledge on the job so 90% of the skills I currently have are from working at William hare or attending the training providers provided by our work place.

The large majority of the time I do genuinely enjoy the programme because most staff members listen to any problems you have and will go out of their way to help you with whatever is needed. Of course there are always sides of any programme/job you will not enjoy which is how tiring and dirty the work is but we are provided with adequate PPE. The only complaint I do have which may seem very small and petty is maybe have a faster water machine as multiple workers have been spoken too about taking multiple minutes to get a drink during mid shift but then have signs in the toilets to warn us about dehydration.

Our programme is structured very well and this was proven when we were having problems at our last training provider and before we were taken out we were already provided with another training provider and within a week or two we were submitted to the new place. It is also organised in the fact that we were given the chance to work with a mentor for almost a year so that we could get to grips with our surroundings, how the place runs and plenty of different methods on undertaking work tasks.

From the start of my apprenticeship to the current date I have been provided with sufficient support from my employer at work and also what our employer has set up for us at our training provider. If we ever need additional support this is always there you just simply need to enquire or ask if you would like additional support in the workplace and at our training providers.

Whilst at Derwent Training Association (DTA) we receive a good amount of support from not just our designated tutor but almost all tutors around the college are able to support us toward working on our qualifications which can be either down in the workshop or up in the classrooms we are provided

I feel like learning our qualification is made easier by being taught at our training provider because we have the chance to sit in a classroom and go into detail about e certain topic which can be tricky on the shop floor as it can be a dangerous place to do something like this. It also gives us the chance to learn from a qualified teacher instead of a worker because they may be able to do the job really well but not explain the technical side to how and which it is done in such a way or a certain order. It also teaches us about metal compositions which allows us to learn what happens to the internals of the metal giving us a reason to do or to not do to a certain method.

On Tuesdays we have football games for the employees and employers so this brings all acquaintances together, through summer we also have a yearly game where we travel and play against the William hare's bury football team. We also have a notice board where we have just had some of the gents from work took part in a 10Mile run to raise money for prostate cancer and these always have forms where you can sign yourself up too.

Yes

I would recommend this company to friends because the employers are very caring about their staff and will go out of their way to help you if you ever have any problems ( work related and health related). The work you learn here is universal which is a great point as the company can train you up and hen if you see fit, can leave with great training and work with ease. All mentors and workers are very nice to be around and are all great at their job and even better at helping you if and when you come stuck or are struggling.

One of the mains things I would say it show that you are willing to learn, no matter how bad or out of your depth you feel at first, just know that your employer has provided the workplace and yourself with enough adequate workers to teach you to the point you will be a great fabricator. As long as you show you want to learn and listen to all rules given you will be fine.