Charles Wallace, Rob Owen and Bradley Wilson are working on the shop floor at the company’s Wiveliscombe site in Somerset under training company Didac to achieve Level 2 Award in tooling technology, which will form the core qualification for the 12 to 15-month course.
The company, which manufactures and services bandsaws in Somerset and Kirkcaldy, hopes to add two apprentices in Scotland.
The trainees are working on swaged and Stellite-tipped wide bandsaws and all types of circular saws, including TCT saws, plate saws and inserted tooth saws.
EPS managing director Nick Palmer said that with UK softwood production forecast to rise to around 3.3 million m3 this year, there was significant demand for new skills in the industry.
"We are seeing many of our traditional skills being replaced by hi-tech and mechanical alternatives, but a significant number of processes still demand hands-on knowledge. A saw doctor’s skills are something of a dark art, but we are determined this special knowledge is maintained."
