Apprenticeships crucial to success at manufacturer Fort Vale

Fort Vale Engineering Apprentice

Apprentices are the backbone of manufacturer Fort Vale Engineering 

Each year the business, based in Simonstone, Burnley, receives more than 140 applicants for around eight vacancies on average, some of which are then trained in partnership with the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology. 

“It’s important for Fort Vale Engineering, as a company, to invest in apprentices,” says Peter Hakin, apprentice training manager at King’s Award-winning manufacturing business. “We’ve done so for more than 50 years and it continues the legacy of the company. They’re the backbone of our business.”  

Apprenticeships address critical skills gaps, support workforce development and foster long-term growth. It’s a tried-and-tested method of employers partnering with education to produce the workers their businesses need to grow.  

Longstanding approach

At Fort Vale, apprenticeships have brought the business to where it is now and continue to steer its fortunes. Four members of the board of directors were apprentices, as were Peter and fellow managers and coordinators.  

“We recruit people from the age of 16 and offer apprenticeships in many areas – from machining to mechatronics,” Peter says. “We also have foundry apprentices, tool-making apprentices, and business administration. 

“The main skills that we’re looking for as an employer aren’t necessarily the hand skills – those skills can be taught. We’re looking for a good work ethic, an excellent attitude to work and a willingness to really push yourself and be the best you can be.” 

Fort Vale, which has its own designated apprentice training cell, has a robust training programme to ensure candidates receive all the skills they need.  

“Once we’ve decided on the number of apprentices we’re taking on, we bring them in on a six-week summer work experience placement which is vital for their progression,” says Peter. “They get to understand the company, the people, and exactly what is required of them in that first year of their apprenticeship.” 

Hands-on role

The training carried out within the college is put into practice in the workplace, where they’ll carry on training on the principles that they learnt at training school, but more related to the jobs within the company. 

Apprentice Lucas Rimmer is studying a mechatronics apprenticeship in maintenance at Burnley College, an IoT partner college. He says he chose the apprentice route as an alternative to the traditional academic route. 

“I’ve enjoyed getting involved in mechanical projects since I was young,” he says. “My role is really hands-on – and that’s what I enjoy, compared to sitting in a classroom.  

“I think you learn a lot more as an apprentice. That’s mainly what appealed to me – and being paid while you learn, of course.” 

Lucas, who is now in the second year of his course, has received invaluable experience in a variety of tasks. “There are no limits on what you work on, and I work all over the site,” he says. “I mainly fix things or make things, coming up with ideas to innovate.” 

Right choice

He found out about the apprenticeship at a Burnley College open evening. “I noticed that they had the mechatronics role, and thought it suited me,” he says. “I applied for the role, went for the interview and second interview and got the job. The course, and the role, is perfect for me.” 

Fellow apprentice George Smith is studying a HNC in manufacturing engineering and believes he made the right choice for him. “I keep seeing all my friends going to university, but I didn’t really like school,” he says. “I enjoy this because it’s hands-on.”

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