Thanks both. Good advice.
Relieved about the helmet as that was looking really pricey. It's not an apprenticeship but they encourage them to consider that and they do have to do a few weeks work experience at a place that they have to find themselves. Any insider info on apprenticeships would be useful, if only to know what's out there. Chevy Rick has mentioned a welding place that he thinks my grandson should contact and I have been in touch with a local(ish) blacksmith.
My eldest grandson was at the same college a couple of years ago but a different course and we paid out a lot then for uniform, equipment etc plus he was living in so loads of money on kit for that and then covid hit and everything fell apart. Hopefully everything will be alright this time but you never know with covid.
Right, just got to find a metal lock box. We have to pay £100 up front for materials so it's a pity they can't make it themselves as their first project!