Pictured: Priory Cast Products' current Foundry Technician Apprentice, Dan Hemming, at work
Owned and managed by freemen of the prestigious Goldsmiths' Company, Yunus Ascott and Eliza Higginbottom, Priory Cast Products make high quality, fine-detail metal castings, using a vacuum-assisted lost wax process.
With Yunus and Eliza bringing their extensive background in jewellery, fine art and restoration to the business - alongside a small, friendly and highly skilled team - Priory Cast Products also have a real focus on apprenticeships, education and reducing the manufacturing skills shortage.
Winners of ‘Best Use of Grant Funding’ at the OxLEP Business Awards 2019 and supported by the OxLEP Skills team, Priory Cast Products have a passion for perfection in all areas of their work – even across their skills provision. Looking to further this, the organisation is looking to take on another Level 3 Foundry Technician Apprentice, following the success of appointing current apprentice Dan Hemming last August.
We spoke to co-owner, Eliza, and current Foundry Technician Apprentice, Dan Hemming about their apprenticeship journey.
Eliza said: ‘We decided to take on an apprentice due to a mixture of concern for the skills shortage in our industry and an interest in education - we fundamentally believe in providing opportunities to learn in a different way. And then on top of that, the pandemic made it clear that there was a dire need for job creation out there.
‘It's such a great opportunity for the right person - to be paid to train, to get qualified without creating debt, and to be taught in an amazing cutting-edge facility - alongside their time with us.
‘The OxLEP Skills team was super useful in our journey and the team helped us hone our apprenticeship offering, putting us in touch with the National Foundry Training Centre/ Dudley College, and what is more, with an apprenticeship levy transfer partner. It gave us the confidence to try it.
‘Because the first experience is proving to be such a success - Daniel is becoming a valuable member of our team, and it's a very rewarding way to train someone, and of giving something back - we’ve decided to take on another apprentice. Both myself and my husband had mentors at different stages of our careers, and we feel it is invaluable.
‘In an ideal candidate, we are looking for commitment, a solid work ethic, an enthusiasm for metal work and foundries, and the ability to work as a team.
‘We are a small foundry as foundries go, which provides an exciting opportunity, as our apprentices get to work across all elements of the casting process, as opposed to simply one job on a production line. What is more, as the team is small, the environment is very friendly and supportive.’
Dan said: ‘I wanted to be an apprentice as I feel as though learning whilst working is more effective for me, as I have a physically productive learning style - alongside the obvious benefit of getting paid. I chose this particular role as I felt it suited my needs of using my hands to produce something.
‘A typical day for me is a 9am-5pm shift and during this time I am responsible for emptying water tanks, cleaning imperfections on the surface of any metal work that is going out, as well as producing the wax components for casting at the end of the week.
‘My favourite part of my apprenticeship is predominantly the fact that I get to work with my hands and that is why I choose to apply for this position – it’s what stuck out to me in the job description.
‘It’s not always easy work, but that’s the same anywhere. If you like more tactile, hands-on work, then this role is great – it gives you the opportunity to learn so much about the industry, so even if you decide it’s not for you, it will give you an idea of what you would like to do - and I don’t think just anywhere can offer you that.’
We will be launching the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards later this year - if you are a small business who has taken on an apprentice over the last year, and you feel that you deserve to be recognised for the apprenticeship opportunities that you have helped to create, keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further details on how to apply (follow @OxLEPSkills on Twitter).
Applications for the Foundry Technician Apprentice close on Tuesday 31 August.
