National Apprenticeship Week offers a moment for industries across the UK to reflect on the transformative power of hands-on learning, technical development, and early career opportunity. For ALTEK, a company renowned for its expertise in aluminium cast house processes and equipment manufacturing, the week is more than a celebration, it is a platform to spotlight the people shaping the sector’s future and the pathways that bring them there.
To explore how apprenticeships are creating real career opportunities, developing technical capability, supporting innovation, and preparing the aluminium industry for the future, we sat down with ALFED Member, ALTEK Europe for an exclusive Q&A.
1. National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the value of apprenticeships across the UK. How does ALTEK use this week to highlight opportunities for young talent in the aluminium industry?
National Apprenticeship Week is a brilliant opportunity for us to shine a light on the impact apprentices make across ALTEK and the wider aluminium industry. We use the week to showcase real stories, celebrate achievements, and give young people a window into what a career in advanced engineering and manufacturing looks like.
It’s also a chance for us to highlight the breadth of pathways available, from hands on workshop and production roles to software modelling, EC&I, and mechanical engineering. By sharing the journeys of our apprentices and the work they contribute to, we aim to inspire the next generation to see the aluminium sector as a place where they can build a long-term, meaningful career.
2. ALTEK is known for its technical expertise in aluminium cast house processes and equipment manufacturing. How do apprentices contribute to your operations, and what real-world skills do they gain?
Our apprentices play a genuine, practical role in our day to day operations. They’re not observers, they’re contributors. Whether they’re supporting equipment builds in the workshop, assisting with mechanical design, developing control systems, working on R&D programmes, or generating Fluid Dynamic modelling scenarios for bid quotations, they become part of the team from day one.
The skills they gain are equally real-world. They learn:
- Technical engineering fundamentals
- Problem solving in live production environments
- How to work safely and efficiently
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- The ability to translate theory into practical solutions
By the time they complete their apprenticeship, they’re confident, capable, and ready to step into full time roles or complete their education.
3. Francis Briggs was recently named a finalist in the 2025 ALFED Rising Star Apprentice Award. How has Francis’s journey reflected ALTEK’s approach to developing young talent?
Francis’s journey is a great example of what we strive for at ALTEK. His combined curiosity, technical ability, and strong work ethic with the support and mentorship we provide resulted in his recognition as a Rising Star finalist. This reflects not only his personal commitment but also the environment we create, one where apprentices are encouraged to take ownership, ask questions, and grow their skills through real responsibility.
Francis’ progress shows exactly what’s possible when young talent is given the right balance of hands on experience, structured learning, and encouragement, and we are proud to have Francis in our team.
4. What do you see as the key benefits of apprenticeships for both the apprentice and the company, particularly in a highly technical environment?
Apprenticeships create a winning dynamic.
For apprentices, the benefits include:
- Earning while learning
- Gaining industry specific skills that are immediately relevant
- Building confidence through practical experience
- Developing a clear career path in a growing sector
For ALTEK, the advantages are just as strong:
- We develop talent that understands our technology, processes, and culture
- Apprentices bring fresh ideas and new perspectives
- We build a pipeline of skilled professionals in areas where expertise is in high demand
- We strengthen our long term capability in a highly technical, innovation driven industry
In short, apprenticeships help us grow our people and our business simultaneously.
5. How does ALTEK support and mentor apprentices to ensure they thrive, especially in roles requiring technical expertise and problem-solving skills?
Support and mentorship are central to our programme. We pair apprentices with experienced engineers who guide them through both the practical and theoretical aspects of their role.
This includes:
- Structured training
- Regular development reviews
- Support with academic studies
- Exposure to different departments to broaden their understanding
- Opportunities to work on real projects with real impact
We make sure apprentices feel part of the team, understand the purpose behind their work, and have the confidence to ask questions and take on challenges.
6. Looking ahead, how does ALTEK plan to evolve its apprenticeship programs to meet the future needs of the aluminium industry and attract the next generation of skilled professionals?
Looking ahead, we’re committed to expanding and evolving our apprenticeship offering in line with the industry’s rapid technological development. This includes:
- Broadening the range of technical disciplines we support
- Strengthening our links with local colleges and training providers
- Increasing opportunities in areas such as automation, digital modelling, and advanced manufacturing
- Ensuring apprentices gain exposure to sustainability focused technologies that are shaping the future of aluminium production
- Continuing to invest in mentoring, training, and career progression pathways
Our goal is to build a programme that not only equips young people with the skills they need today but prepares them for the aluminium industry of tomorrow.
Conclusion
Through celebration, mentorship, and meaningful responsibility, ALTEK’s approach to apprenticeships demonstrates how investing in young talent strengthens not only a company, but an entire industry. As National Apprenticeship Week shines a spotlight on opportunity across the UK, ALTEK Europe shows how the next generation of engineers and innovators is already taking shape, one apprenticeship at a time.
