First cohort completes Engineering Apprenticeship at VA Technology
The first cohort of apprentices on the engineering pathway has now completed their programme and transitioned into full-time roles at VA Technology. Our comprehensive apprenticeship framework gives individuals exposure to multiple disciplines before they settle into the field that best aligns with their interests and career goals. Throughout the programme, apprentices have had the opportunity to work on some of the most complex shellroom systems for high precision casting customers. Jack Rhodes and Joe Hadley share their insights into the journey and what’s next for them.
Jack Rhodes, Mechanical Fitter Apprentice
Jack Rhodes joined VA Technology in 2023 to complete his engineering apprenticeship with In-Comm Training. Jack got stuck into projects, showing confidence in his ability and over the last three years has gone from strength to strength in electrical and mechanical divisions. Jack has chosen to take on a mechanical fitter role at VA Technology.
In his new role within the sub-assembly division, Jack will assemble individual shellroom components, including robot grippers, slurry tanks, fluidised beds and rainfall sanders. Jack’s rotational experience across fabrication, sub-assembly and systems assembly has provided an ideal foundation for this career pathway. “I feel as though I’ve had the best possible start to my career,” says Jack. “The theoretical and practical workshops at In-Comm gave me genuine confidence in my ability to handle complex projects at VA Technology. It’s been incredible to build large-scale, high-precision systems and see firsthand how our foundry customers put them to work.”
Joe Hadley, Electrical Fitter Apprentice
After completing a three-year engineering apprenticeship with In-Comm Training, balancing study with full-time work, Joe Hadley has stepped into his new role as an Electrical Fitter in systems assembly. In this position, Joe will apply his theoretical and practical expertise within a multidisciplinary electrical and mechanical team, assembling shellroom systems for both test & validation and onsite customer installations. “My apprenticeship with VA gave me the foundation to work on everything from individual components to complex, automated shellroom systems. I covered everything from metalwork to control panel wiring, and mechanical assembly,” says Joe. “Travelling to customer sites for installations built a lot of confidence in my practical abilities, and I was always supported by a great team of experienced fitters who guided me every step of the way.”
As the demand for highly skilled talent grows in manufacturing, apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to gain practical experience while developing the technical capability required in modern industrial environments. Blending hands-on learning with academic study, apprentices earn while developing real-world competence, confidence, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Working at VA Technology
As we champion the future of STEM, we also celebrate the foundational expertise that drives manufacturing every day. This summer, VA Technology held their annual summer event to recognise the team for their long service and contribution to business operations. These individuals continue to maintain a truly hands-on approach to manufacturing our systems, bringing invaluable knowledge of shellroom systems, precision and practical know-how to the factory floor. That same passion for hands-on technical excellence is why VA Technology remains dedicated to supporting apprenticeship schemes. This summer, the company will welcome its latest intake of engineering apprentices to the manufacturing team.
About VA Technology
VA Technology offers extensive experience in the design, manufacture, installation and service of shell-making equipment throughout the investment casting industry. Our product range includes IC-series robots, rapid drying systems, slurry preparation systems, dust collection systems, environmental control systems, slurry pumping systems, integrated shell management systems, and more. Contact us for more information.
