Fabrication and welding apprentices visit Lincoln Electric to build links with local industry

AMRC apprentices training in fabrication and welding recently visited Lincoln Electric UK Ltd to help build good working relationships and gain an insight into local industry.

The Sheffield branch of Lincoln Electric, the innovative welding and cutting solutions company is the only UK manufacturer and supplier of MIG welding wire in the UK.

The apprentices had the chance to tour their extensive production facility, to watch and learn about the manufacturing process of the wire; from the raw material through to the finished packaged product.

Lincoln Electric also hosted a number of workshops for the apprentices about their flagship MIG/MAG Surface Tension Transfer (STT) technology and Rapid-X programming units and seminars about the testing and traceability of products.

AMRC Training Centre fabrication and welding trainer, Kieron Weston said: “As the apprentices experience manual welding on a daily basis, its a great opportunity for them to be invited to Lincoln Electric to take part in automatic sub arc welding workshops.

“This will broaden their current knowledge and give them more experience of the welding and fabrication industry and its technologies.”

To finish the apprentices took part in a quiz and virtual welding competition to put their new-found knowledge to the test. The highest scoring winners were awarded generous prizes awarded by Lincoln.

Kyle Heighinton, apprentice for Wilson Brothers Ltd and Josh Swift and Tom Gardner, apprentices for PCT Ltd, came back with and auto-darkening welding mask worth £150, MIG welding gloves, Lincoln rucksack, and power banks for portable media devices.

“It is with thanks to the efforts of the Lincoln Electric staff that our apprentices learnt a lot and had a fantastic time,” added Kieron.

Recognising that investment in welder training is crucial to the future success of our industry, Lincoln Electric UKs has a long term commitment to building and maintaining relationships with education and training providers across the country.

Lincoln Electrics David Kirkwood said: “Working with the AMRC to give their trainees exposure to advanced welding processes and the manufacture of welding wire, we hope will help to supplement their training and knowledge once they are in industry.

“Working with key training provides such as the AMRC remains key to Lincolns strategy in supporting STEM providers in the UK.”