As part of National Apprentice Week, today we are celebrating the success of Wesley Blackbourn, Caunton Apprentice of the Year 2022. Wesley joined Caunton Engineering in in September 2019 as an apprentice in fabrication and welding. Wesley was in the first cohort to do the Metal Fabricator Standard here at Caunton Engineering.


Wesley was pleased to comment, “Being an apprentice at Caunton Engineering has been good for me because you get training to a very high standard. When you have the basic skills you are sent out to work on the production lines, where everyone is friendly and supportive. When you first join, you go into the dedicated academy where the teaching staff go over and above to support you, not just with the practical work, but also the theory side of the apprenticeship. I would encourage people to do an apprenticeship at Caunton Engineering because you get a real feel for working life and the qualification you get will set you up for life. There are also opportunities to develop in different roles once you have completed your apprenticeship. As for me, I have just taken on a new role being the operative for the new robot welder they have just brought in".

Caunton Engineering encourage its Apprentices to do support work for the local community and offer the opportunity to work on interesting and iconic projects.

Feedback from teaching staff, Caunton Academy, “Wesley has done so well because he has brought a great sense of commitment to his apprenticeship and always puts maximum effort into every task that he carries out, even the ones that he may not be fully confident with. He has worked really hard and liaised effectively with his more experienced colleagues and he listens carefully to the advice given. He is always eager to get involved in learning about new processes and technology such as the new robot technology. What has also helped Wes excel, is the fact that he has got excellent principles which ensure that he endeavours to work to the best of his ability at all times”.