Levi’s Story

Finding Purpose: How Hands-On Learning Changed One Young Man’s Life

Welding is a trade that tends to attract a particular mindset. It suits people who prefer to learn by doing, who understand ideas best when they can work with what’s in front of them. It’s less about theory on a page, and more about judgement, feel, and precision.

For Levi, that way of learning made perfect sense. Not because he lacked interest in the classroom, but because he developed skills by doing, testing, and improving along the way.

An introduction to welding came almost by chance – Levi’s school took a coach full of students to an open day hosted by Rapid Welding and Lincoln Electric, where he discovered something completely different.

It was this pivotal moment that gave Levi his first glimpse into the world of welding, and the possibilities it might have to offer.

A New Path Begins

Using virtual reality for welder training offers an engaging way to learn – combining hands-on experience with the opportunity to observe others in action.

Held at the Isle of Wight based ‘Wight Shipyard’, the VR open day was designed to present welding as an exciting and accessible option, while delivering far more than a simple introduction.

This wasn’t about sitting and listening; it was immersive, practical, and interactive – breaking down misconceptions and highlighting welding as a career pathway that is often overlooked.

Until attending the open day, Levi had always imagined his future as a chef, picturing himself working in a busy kitchen – even though the unsociable hours were a bit of a concern.

But first ideas are just that – ideas. While becoming a chef held a certain appeal, the VR day shifted his focus. It opened his eyes to the opportunities available and highlighted the importance of welding, not only in the marine industry, but across the wider world.

This was the moment Levi stepped away from his dream of becoming a chef and began working at Wight Shipyard instead.

The Skills Behind the Craft

Learning the basics of the trade, Levi uncovered strengths he didn’t know he had, and he found real satisfaction in seeing the tangible results that welding gave him.

But more opportunities were soon to follow.

In 2023, Levi contacted Gareth at Isle of Wight-based shipbuilder, Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC), and subsequently went for an interview.

For many years, AMC has run its own training programme, helping young people gain the practical skills needed in welding and marine engineering. In collaboration with neighbouring business, Diverse Marine, AMC supports trainees in a range of engineering activities, from working with raw aluminium to creating high-performance offshore vessels.

The interview was a success, and Levi saw this as a big step forward.

At first, his work at AMC focused on smaller tasks – putting components together, understanding materials, and building his skills across MIG and TIG welding processes.

At the same time, Levi was supported by experienced colleagues who did more than simply observe his work – they offered practical guidance at every step, creating an environment where he could strengthen his technique under careful supervision.

Every task, big or small, was a chance to learn, while gradually preparing him for bigger challenges – such as working on a vessel’s superstructure and handling projects that demanded more skill and precision.

And it wasn’t just about advancing Levi’s practical welding skills – it was about learning to solve problems, sharpening his attention to detail while building a strong sense of confidence in his own abilities.

This was about laying the foundations for the future – nurturing the core skills Levi would need to succeed in the industry, and reflecting AMC’s commitment to learning and growth.

Natural Ability Meets Hard Work

There’s a common belief in trades like welding – you either have it, or you don’t.

The truth lies somewhere in between.

Yes, welding is a skill that can be taught and developed over time. But for some, there’s an instinctive ability to understand the process, apply the technique, and produce quality work early on.

Levi has made excellent progress in developing his welding skills and has shown a clear natural aptitude for the trade. He is already contributing work to structurally critical components such as hulls and fuel tanks, where precision is paramount and the highest quality standards are required. As part of his ongoing training programme, he continues to work under supervision, ensuring his skills are refined while maintaining exceptional safety and quality standards.

He documents his progress – his phone gallery holds hundreds of photos of welds he’s done and boats he’s worked on – evidence of his enthusiasm and the standards he holds himself to.

And then there’s that moment in shipbuilding that never loses its impact.

The launch.

As Levi tells it, when a finished boat is carefully guided out through the huge doors and into the water for the first time, everything pauses. It’s a tense, anxious, “hold your breath” moment.

And when it all comes together – when the boat clears the workshop, it’s a powerful reminder of what’s been achieved.

Looking Ahead

Hands-on education offers a different path, and for a young person like Levi, it’s not just another way to learn. It’s the right way.

Without those early opportunities – Rapid’s virtual welding experience and the chance to join the team at AMC, Levi’s life would look very different now.

Instead, he’s found a place at AMC that feels like a second home, and Levi is quick to thank Gareth and Nigel for the opportunities he’s had, as well as Marcia for her kindness and continued support.

But his ambition doesn’t stop there.

One day, Levi wants to run his own welding business – work independently, build a strong reputation through the quality of his work.

But just as importantly, he wants to give back by taking on apprentices of his own, passing on the same opportunities that helped shape his own progression.

He actively encourages other young people at school to consider welding – not just as a job, but as a pathway to learning so much more than just technical skills. In his own words, ‘welding is something that could set them up for a bigger and better future”.

It also reinforces an important message: traditional academic pathways aren’t the only route to success.

Careers in skilled trades like welding can offer long-term opportunities, financial stability, and the potential to build a career that can take you anywhere in the world. This is something which Rapid and AMC are strongly committed to: educating and developing the next generation of welders.

With a long-standing partnership, Rapid has supported AMC as its principal welding supplier for many years, and that relationship is reflected across the workshop floor – and now through Levi’s journey.

“I was so inspired by Levi’s story – it just goes to show what can happen when you try something new. Rapid set up the Virtual Reality machines to simulate hands on welding, taking young people from the ‘Play station to the Welding station’. In this case, it’s made a real and lasting difference.”

Roy Edwards, Rapid’s Managing Director

While Levi has done all the hard work, we’re proud to have played a small part in introducing him to the trade and providing an experience that opened the door to new possibilities.

We wish him all the very best for the future.