Fancy a role as a die casting apprentice? We caught up with Ben Scott, maintenance engineer at Hellaby Works, to discuss what a role in die casting looks like and where an apprenticeship could lead to.

What does a role in die casting involve?

A role in die casting involves working on state-of-the-art Frech die casting machines and automated cells with six-axis ABB robots. It also involves setting up tools and robot programmes and ensuring high part quality through visual and gauge checks. Process control is very important and setting and monitoring parameters is a vital part of the day-to-day activities.

How is die casting at Hellaby Works different to a traditional foundry?

By reputation, Hellaby Works is probably the cleanest die casting plant in the UK. We also consider ourselves as the most advanced die casting plant in the country due to our sophisticated Frech machines, ABB robots and Wittmann temperature control units. In addition, we provide exceptional training to all those working in the foundry to ensure they have the skills needed to operate the machinery. We strive to be the best and are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in conventional die casting.

What is a typical day in die casting like?

A typical day in die casting can involve anything from tool changes, fault finding, problem solving and continuous improvement. There’s never a dull day on the die casting shop floor; a great team of people ensures that each shift is fun, while maintaining the production of high-quality castings, of course!

What qualities would you be looking for in a die casting apprentice?

A die casting apprentice needs to be inquisitive, a problem solver and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. Die casting is not a perfected process and requires both patience and attention to detail.

What could an apprenticeship lead to career-wise?

An apprenticeship in die casting could lead to a role in process engineering – setting up die casting tooling and robots. It could equally lead to a role within the tool room or maintenance engineering.

How has your own career developed since joining Gripple?

My own career has progressed significantly working for Gripple and within the GLIDE group. I started as a die casting machine operator before progressing to a setter role and then to my current role as an engineer. There are always opportunities to progress should you have the desire to do so.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying?

I would advise anyone thinking about applying for the apprenticeship to do so as soon as possible. Gripple is a great company to work for and die casting is a fascinating industry to work within. You’ll be looked after every step of the way and trained by some of the best people in the die casting industry in the UK.

What value do you think apprentices add to a business?

Apprentices are the future of this business. We need young, enthusiastic people to take what we do now to the next level, and we will work with them to give them the skills to do just that.

Check out more about our apprentice scheme here