Apprentices Craft Bespoke Horse Sculpture
A unique horse sculpture, made by apprentices from our Engineering Academies in Rotherham and Blackburn, has been unveiled at MTL Advanced, highlighting the exceptional standards being achieved across our training programmes.
Named Doublet, the sculpture was fully designed and manufactured by a team of four apprentices, with all work completed in-house. From laser cutting and fabrication through to polishing, the project was delivered using a range of advanced techniques. Over a three-week period, the team collectively dedicated 384 hours to the build, gaining valuable hands-on experience at every stage.
The sculpture was commissioned to commemorate the visit of HRH The Princess Royal to our Rotherham facility. Its name pays tribute to HRH The Princess Royal’s own horse, while the design itself reflects her long-standing involvement in equestrian sport.

During the visit, Doublet was formally presented alongside a commemorative plaque, marking the occasion and providing a lasting symbol of the day. The piece served as a focal point, demonstrating both the capabilities of our apprentices and the quality of training delivered within our Academy.
The sculpture showcases not only technical precision but also creativity and attention to detail. It represents the type of real-world project work that forms a core part of the apprentice journey at MTL Advanced.
By working on live projects such as this, apprentices are able to build confidence, refine their skills and gain a deeper understanding of industry standards. This practical approach ensures they are well-prepared for careers in engineering and manufacturing.
The completed sculpture stands as a testament to the ability and commitment of our apprentices, as well as the strength of the training environment at MTL Advanced.