This year, JC Metalworks celebrate a special milestone for Jake Morris, who has now completed 10 years of service at JC Metalworks. From joining as a young apprentice with a passion for design and engineering to becoming a Project Engineer and Apprenticeship Coordinator, Jake’s journey is a story of growth, hard work, and giving back.
A Passion for Engineering from the Start
For Jake, the path into engineering felt natural. “I have always been interested in design and engineering from an early age, so I decided to pursue a career,” he explains. That passion led him to seek out an apprenticeship where he could gain practical experience while building a strong foundation for the future.
Choosing JC Metalworks
When it came to deciding where to begin his career, JC stood out for the opportunities it offered. “JC was one of the only apprenticeships at the time that gave me the possibility of being able to work in the design side, along with being exposed to multiple areas of the business,” Jake recalls. That variety was key, allowing him to build a broad set of skills that would serve him well in the years to come.
Career Highlights and Proud Achievements
Reflecting on the last decade, two moments stand out as highlights for Jake. The first was becoming JC’s Apprenticeship Coordinator, a particularly meaningful achievement given his own start as an apprentice. The second was managing the large-scale locker production order for Thinventry (formerly ByBox) — the biggest order of its kind at the time. “We went from 28 lockers a month to 28 a day for 2–3 months. Having it run smoothly for most of that time was a very proud moment,” he says.
Life as a Project Engineer
Today, Jake thrives as a Project Engineer. What he enjoys most is the variety and the people. “Dealing with so many different people, internally and externally, makes the role inspiring. The projects we are involved with are so different in many ways. It’s such an important role in our company, and it comes with many challenges — but pushing through and delivering successful projects for our customers and for the business makes it all worthwhile.”
From Apprentice to Apprenticeship Coordinator
Jake’s progression from apprentice to Apprenticeship Coordinator is a full-circle moment that he describes with pride. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles, each shaping his understanding of the business. Now, as coordinator, he’s able to give new apprentices the best possible start in their careers. “It’s a great feeling when you see apprentices being successful and moving up in their own careers,” he says. “That’s the main drive behind being involved with it.”
Lessons Learned Along the Way
The most valuable lesson Jake has learned at JC is simple but powerful: honesty. “Being open and honest no matter who you are dealing with makes life and work so much easier. This is something I am always trying to be, and it helps so much with my job role.”
Motivation That Lasts a Decade
Even after 10 years, Jake’s enthusiasm for his work hasn’t faded. “Enjoying what I do keeps me motivated. It can be stressful and mentally draining some days, but I actually enjoy my job, so it makes it easy to stay driven.”
Team Spirit at JC
Jake describes the team spirit at JC as “very friendly and positive.” He highlights how working with great people makes the challenges of the job easier to manage and contributes to the supportive culture that apprentices and experienced colleagues alike value.
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting at JC, Jake is clear: “You get out what you put in. Be willing to learn, be willing to make mistakes, and you will gain so much experience from it.”
Life Outside of Work
Away from JC, Jake enjoys a simple, balanced life. He spends his time with Bryony and their dog, relaxing at home, and playing football whenever he gets the chance.
A Journey to Celebrate
From a keen apprentice to an experienced Project Engineer and mentor for the next generation, Jake’s career is a testament to what’s possible with passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn. His achievements — both in projects and in people — leave a lasting mark on JC Metalworks.
Congratulations, Jake, on 10 incredible years!
