Young Sussex pilot’s flights of fancy take his future in new direction
When the pandemic stalled a school leaver's plans to enter the aviation industry, he discovered a talent for creating sculptures from scrap metal
Submitted by Michelle Taylor
When Covid-19 grounded aircraft across the world, 17-year-old Ned Taylor was forced to re-think his career path.
After earning his private pilot’s licence just before lockdown, Ned’s future plans were stymied by the downturn in the aviation industry.
Having mentioned that he liked the idea of welding, his parents encouraged him to speak to local company Anvils Blacksmiths, in East Grinstead, West Sussex.
The family-run blacksmiths specialise in wrought iron items from sconces and candelabras, to outdoor furniture and ornate gates, as well as bespoke ironwork.
They subsequently gave Ned the opportunity to do some work experience at their workshop during the school holidays.
It turns out that Ned is not only skilled at flying but also has a real talent for working with metal.
Jason Willey and his father have been teaching Ned to weld and giving him free rein to produce stunning scrap metal sculptures, worthy of exhibiting.
Seeing Ned's passion and potential, Anvils have now offered Ned an apprenticeship.
He will continue his training with them, alongside attending Crawley College to gain a qualification in engineering, fabrication and welding.
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