Lockdown hobby sparks career in welding

A Burton and South Derbyshire College student, who first learnt the basics of welding from her dad during lockdown, has now progressed to a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Welding at Cast Iron Welding Services.

After learning the basics in her garage during lockdown, Harriet Worth went on to try a weekend course in MIG and TIG which made her realise she would like to pursue welding as a career.

Harriet then undertook a Level 2 in Welding and Fabrication course at the college to develop her skills and knowledge further.

During her course, Harriet was successful in securing a part time job at Cast Iron Welding Services in Coalville to gain some practical work experience alongside her studies.

She made such a good impression with her employer that after completing the Level 2 Welding and Fabrication course, she was taken on full time as a Level 3 Welding apprentice.

Harriet (pictured) said: “The Level 2 Welding course was the exact course I wanted to do. I enjoyed everything about it, including learning TIG which I was then able to teach my dad. I enjoyed learning about different types of welding and fabrication.

“I find welding really satisfying - I enjoy working on the different types of welds and using different materials. I would encourage more young women to get into welding - you 'll be surrounded by such supportive people who want to see you succeed.

“I really enjoy working as a welder. In the future, I would be interested in working on classic cars and historic racing cars as I 've had an interest in motor sports my whole life. ”

Peter Palmer, managing director of Cast Iron Welding Services, added “I was an apprentice myself back in the 90s, so I 'm very aware of the knowledge and skills that can be learnt, not just working together but in the shop floor environment.

“Our business is full of enthusiastic engineers who really enjoy sharing their skills and working with our apprentices. ”