Lee Royal
Study Type: School Leaver Vocational
Study Location: The Roundhouse
Subject Studied: Engineering
Lee owes top welding apprenticeship to Derby College guidance
Doosan Babcock welding apprentice Lee Royal always knew he’d find an apprenticeship after taking level 3 welding at Derby College.
But Lee is also certain he wouldn’t have been taken on by such a leading power engineering systems business as Doosan without the College’s involvement.
Lee, who is 20 and from Derby, progressed to the level 3 course after completing level 2 Performing Engineering Operations at the Roundhouse.
He enjoyed it but was always aware he wanted to be a fabricator welder, like his dad.
While on his level 3 course he and four other students got the opportunity through their tutor, to apply for the Doosan apprenticeship.
Lee said: “I love it. The bays are so large – there’s so much room – and our tutors can watch us weld through a screen, which is less off-putting. I’d like to work on-site when I’ve completed my apprenticeship.
I think I’d prefer to work outside than in a factory and at Doosan I might get the chance to do that.
“As a fabricator like my dad, I’ll get to do everything – the welding, cutting, bending and assembling as well as joining metal parts.
“I could have got an apprenticeship without Derby College’s help but I wouldn’t have got this one. Before this came along, I nearly took up one nearer to home, welding skips. Because of the college I’m now training for a highly skilled career not just any welding job.”
And engineering is definitely in the family. Lee’s younger brother, Luke is currently on the level 2 PEO course at Derby College.
I could have got an apprenticeship without Derby College’s help but I wouldn’t have got this one. Before this came along, I nearly took up one nearer to home, welding skips. Because of the college I’m now training for a highly skilled career not just any welding job.