Ethan joins us for a Work Experience placement

1st October 2025

 

Starting on Monday with Warwick in the design office looking at how we design various projects using SolidWorks and other tools for various processes including steel fabrication and 3D printing.

He then moved on through the various parts of the business to get hands-on in the preparation of parts at the flat-bed and tube lasers, then on to welding, powder coating and finally assembly.

Ethan said:
“I had a fantastic time and Acres engineering for my work placement and my favourite experience there was probably the powder coating! – I am most interested in the CNC machines and operating them. I also really enjoyed my time in assembly as the other employees were very kind and welcoming and could have a good conversation with them”

He is currently attending JCB Academy in Uttoxeter where he is studying a mixture of Engineering Design & Manufacture courses as well as Enterprise and Business. He intends to move on to 6th Form at JCB Academy then progress on to an engineering apprenticeship.

Having students gain work experience even for just a week, can offer them a range of valuable benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how they can benefit:


🚀 Real-World Insight

  • Exposure to the industry: Students get a firsthand look at how an engineering and welding business operates, which is far more engaging and informative than learning from books or videos.

  • Understanding career paths: They can explore different roles within the company—welders, engineers, designers, technicians, supervisors—which helps them see what career might suit them best.


🛠️ Hands-On Experience

  • Practical skills: Even with safety restrictions in place, students can observe or assist with basic tasks, learning how tools and machinery are used in real-world projects.

  • Workplace habits: They learn the importance of punctuality, teamwork, attention to detail, and health and safety procedures.


💬 Professional Development

  • Communication skills: Interacting with experienced professionals improves their confidence and helps them practice clear, respectful communication.

  • Teamwork: Being part of a working team—even briefly—teaches them how to cooperate and contribute effectively.


🧠 Learning from Experts

  • Mentorship: They can ask questions and learn directly from skilled tradespeople and engineers, gaining knowledge that can’t always be found in a classroom.

  • Problem-solving: Observing how real problems are diagnosed and solved in the workshop or office environment can be eye-opening.


📄 Future Opportunities

  • CV building: Work experience adds value to their CVs or college applications, showing initiative and interest in a skilled trade or engineering.

  • Networking: They begin to build connections that could help with future apprenticeships or job opportunities.


🔧 Inspiration and Motivation

  • Boosts enthusiasm: Seeing the real-world impact of engineering and welding—how things are built and fixed—can spark genuine interest and passion.

  • Sense of achievement: Completing a week in a professional setting can boost self-esteem and give them a sense of purpose.

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Acres have a range of standard products but also support clients with custom machinery and medium-high volume products such as trolleys, stillages etc. 

We have manufactured lots of different tables / workstations / workbenches for various industries.

We also manufacture access platformsjigs and fixtures and many other types of production support solutions / products. 

Talk to us today about your requirements: [email protected] / 01332695240 / Contact Us Form

 

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Want to know more about Acres Engineering?

We are based in the UK from our Headquarters in Derbyshire, England and have a European office in Malaga, Spain within the EU.

 Acres deliver to Europe

Find out more about where we have been and what we have been up to by checking out our latest blog posts.

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As a world leader in our field, we offer a range of information guides sharing best practice with our clients.

We make it easy to engage with us, we are approved on: EcoVadis (external) / JOSCAR (external) / AVETTA (external) / COUPA (external) / SAP ARIBA (external) / DEEPSTREAM (external) ….you can download our BSI / Insurance certificates here. 

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