From Level 3 Welding to an industry apprenticeship: Meet Liam Hoggart!
Meet Liam (left), a talented Level 3 Welding graduate who is now excelling on an industry apprenticeship with Altrad.
When Liam first joined Middlesbrough College to study Level 2 Welding, he wasn’t entirely sure which career path he wanted to follow. However, that all changed when one of his tutors, Allan Martin (pictured right), told him about a fantastic apprenticeship opportunity and encouraged him to apply.
With the college’s support and guidance, Liam progressed from Level 2 to Level 3 Welding before deciding to take the leap – and he hasn’t looked back since.
Now, Liam is thriving in industry with Altrad, putting the skills he gained at college into practice and gaining the qualifications he needs to achieve his goal of becoming a qualified Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician.
Liam said: “The apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity. It’s hard work, but I really enjoy it – it’s set me up for life.”
“I’ve gone from learning all aspects of welding at the college to training how to inspect welds. Non-Destructive Testing is a big part of my training – I inspect the integrity of welds, castings and forgings to identify defects, and write reports. Every day is different.
“Having my welding knowledge from Middlesbrough College as my background has hugely helped me in my role now – I know what I’m looking for as an inspector, because I’ve been taught what to look for and all the different welding processes at college.
“The welding department at Middlesbrough College has fantastic facilities – there are machines for every welding process, including TIG, MIG and MMA welding, plus all the cutting and burning equipment and bays you need. It’s fully equipped, just like it is in industry.
“Every welding process that you use in industry is available at the college, and you get to use it all. They want their students to be prepared for industry, because you never know what welding process you’re going to need in the real world. They prepare you for it all.
“The course was extremely well structured. My instructors gave me so much information about the industry and the trade itself. All of them are spot on and so down-to-earth, they teach you what needs teaching and prepare you for everything.
“The course made me more mature – it gets you ready for the real world. You’re treat like an adult; it’s a lot different to being in school.”
When asked if he’d recommend studying welding at Middlesbrough College to others, Liam said:
“Definitely. It’s a brilliant industry to get into – it’s so broad, you can do anything.
“The college prepares you for everything and I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for my tutors.”
Allan Martin, Welding Instructor at Middlesbrough College Group, said:
“With over 30 years’ experience working in industry, I know how important it is to build strong connections with employers.
“At Middlesbrough College, we work closely with industry partners to give our students the best possible opportunities to transform their futures.
“I’m always looking for ways to use those links to help our students take their next step. When I heard about the opportunity with Altrad, I knew it would be a perfect fit for Liam.
“Liam didn’t realise just how capable he was at first, but with a bit of encouragement and a few pushes along the way, he really stepped up and made the most of this opportunity. It’s been fantastic to see him succeed.”
Richard Lobb, Contract Delivery Manager at Altrad, added:
“Liam has grasped his opportunity to become an NDT Technician with both hands. He has demonstrated an eagerness to learn, is thorough in all he does, and has already established himself as a key member of our team.
“Liam’s commitment and desire to succeed recently led to him being nominated at the Lavender 2025 Apprentice Recognition & Awards Events in Newcastle, which celebrates the bright future of our industry and the passionate individuals shaping it. He won the award category for Best Apprentice with a Positive Attitude – well done Liam, your future is bright!”
Are you leaving school this year and interested in studying a welding course? Apply today and kickstart your future at Middlesbrough College!
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