DCG Success Stories

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.