National Apprenticeship Week is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

At Bourne we know first-hand the importance of having an apprentice programme to ensure essential knowledge and skills are passed on to the next generation of staff.  It’s also an opportunity to give something back to the community by helping young people make the transition from full-time education to the workplace, and assisting in improving their long-term employment prospects.

So, as it’s National Apprentice Week what better time to showcase our three steel fabrication apprentices, George Perry, Matthew Chauffourier and Alex Waller.

George, Matthew and Alex are currently working alongside our dedicated apprentice trainer, Richard Buckley who throughout their three year training programme is on hand to mentor their development.

Our most experienced apprentice, George Perry is currently in his second year of training and is now capable of welding and fabricating 90% of the work that the Company produces with minimal supervision.

“It is very easy to forget that George is still an apprentice. He’s a very capable young man who is pleasant to deal with and is always aiming to do his utmost best.” says Bourne Steel works manager, Alan Stone

Matt and Alex have been with the Company just over a year and since gaining their welding qualifications have been working on live projects under the direct supervision of Richard.

“Both Matt and Alex are coming on well and are currently working on the crane support steelwork for one of Bourne’s latest projects, Television Centre in London.

“Next month they will move away from Richard’s direct tutelage and work within one of the fabrication bays under the direction of a bay leader. Any shortfalls in skills are quickly identified at this stage and are rectified on the job whilst working with experienced fabricators.” says Alan Stone.

Over the next two years Matt and Alex will work their way through the bays as well as spending time in other departments of the business including the drawing office, estimating, sales and project management teams in order to develop a more rounded appreciation of the business.

Bourne Steel are committed to the apprentice programme and are continuing to invest in its development to ensure it keeps delivering the excellent results we’ve seen so far.  We will be looking to recruit two more young enthusiastic people in the very near future to further increase the workforce with our home grown talent.