text: “I’m studying towards a career in engineering and The Expanded Metal Company’s apprentice programme has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to reach my goals.
  “It’s a great place to work and I think the people are really friendly and there is lots to learn and lots of people to learn from.”
  “It’s really interesting moving around the mill, working on different machines and with different people. I always pick up a few great tips.
  “From being on the machines I have learnt that I can work independently, which is equally rewarding.”
  Kalem initially joined as a machine setter and is now a technical support engineer within our fencing and fabrication team. Kalem ensures that production planning works seamlessly and coordinates closely with suppliers and customers with orders as well as preparing and adapting CAD Drawings.
  “I’ve been with the company for four years and I’m now a time served fabricator and welder, having finished my apprenticeship in November 2020.
  “Because of my fabrication expertise I get involved in a wide aspect of roles such as prep and despatch through to plasma-cutting, which is great, as no two days are the same and I’ve learnt so much from the varied experiences.
  “My advice for any new apprentice would be to have a mentor – and make sure you take advantage of their knowledge and experience so you learn all that they know. And also persevere as you will have tough days but as long as you stick at it you’ll get the benefits of a great career.”
  Combined with classroom-based learning, the apprenticeship programme enables our apprentices to gain hands-on experience and skills at our 25,000+ sqm site in Hartlepool.
  Philip Astley, managing director, The Expanded Metal Company, commented: “We are proud to play a part in helping young people from our region to develop specialist skills.
  “Our apprenticeship programme is a vital component in our workforce development strategy and is helping us to honour our commitment to develop our future workforce and provide routes to careers in manufacturing and engineering.
  “It has been a real pleasure watching our current apprentices grow and develop these past few years – they have strong careers ahead of them.”
  The Expanded Metal Company has a new cohort of apprentices starting in March, who we are excited to welcome to the team.
  You can follow news and updates from The Expanded Metal Company on LinkedIn and Twitter and join in the discussions around apprenticeships using #NAW2021.
  
  Digital currencies have been around since 2009, but 2017 was the year when everyone took notice of their existence. The main asset of this digital market, Bitcoin, reached $20,000 a unit and suddenly the world of finances got taken by storm, facing a challenge they were not quite ready to face.
  Currently, many multinational corporations, banks, and even Wall Street firms are looking to learn everything they can about everything that has to do with cryptocurrencies others is knee-deep adopting every aspect related to their technology to give a much-needed muscle to their security features.
  Many of these companies wouldn’t be able to reach even planning stages of basic blockchain technology if someone out there wasn’t willing to teach them how to use it for the right price, and as such a new niche on the market has been born: business startups based on blockchain technologies.
  In the following lines, we are going to explore the best business initiatives you can embrace if you have knowledge about blockchain technology and some capital laying around. Pay close attention: it’s a brand new world and blockchain is poised to become the leading battle horse for many companies out there.
  Think for a moment how useful are ID cards, badges and anything that provides some sort of identification. Now picture for a moment how easily can be to forge them. Sure there are a number of two-steps verification technologies out there, but is there something that allows you to safely check the ID of that law officer that is there supposedly to protect you?
  There have been rumors or loose ideas for some time now about adding blockchain technology using QRC to verify the authenticity of every badge that crosses your face. The best part is that there is that there is no need to create an ID infrastructure. All you need to do is use a blockchain log to store ID details that can be verified for life with the touch of a button.
  There are a few initiatives out there making basic use of blockchain technology to create games based on mining, but the scope should much wider considering how old this technology is right now. One of the biggest, untapped markets is the online gaming community participating in pay-to-play or pay-to-win platforms that extract money out of their pockets with no rewards.
  Blockchain can change the face of these models by establishing a pay-to-earn model that been merely toyed with at the moment. Once developed by the right people, gamers could get something out of the endless hours they put on a game other than the satisfaction of winning.
  Notaries are commonly used worldwide to transfer ownership of goods and assets before a law officer by signing a piece of paper and usually involving a monetary transaction. While these records are kept available for a long time, stored on paper ledgers, they can easily tamper.
  By adopting blockchain as a way to keep a digital record of notaries, there is no way someone can tamper with this data or scam over people over certain properties. Is at best a security factor to consider?
  Setting up a retail operation using blockchain doesn’t require extensive development. In most first-world nations there are is already some sort of framework created in the private sector that allows customers to handle their grocery shopping using their smart devices.
  Integrating the coding of blockchain technology to these existing technologies would not take much, and it would allow business owners to make conversions on the fly to collect their profits as they need them or as it suits them.
  Working the ICO structure can do wonders for any small business that needs crowd funding to start with the right footing. You can either offer a participating role to your initial investors, or you can offer them some sort of asset related to your business initiative, you can even provide a tokenized utility that they are able to exchange for service at their convenience.
  Since crypto assets are not bound by laws and legal regulations in most of the world you can start up a casino, that deals out prizes using digital currencies stored in the blockchain. As you can probably imagine this initiative sounds good, but it needs quite a hefty monetary muscle to make sure you have the means to back up your offering if you are planning to make a living out of it. Taking shortcuts is just a way to rip off people, and you don’t want to do that.
  Let’s think back for a moment about the basic exercise of democracies around the world. Make no mistake voting doesn’t work the way it should in every nation in the world. Just ask Hillary Clinton who won the majority of the popular vote to Donald Trump, but somehow lost to him due to the regulations of the Electoral College. By adding blockchain technology to the framework of the electronic systems used to vote in modern nations, there is no way to tamper with the will of the people.
  While there are a number of startups out there doing their best to offer decentralized means of cloud storage, not a single one has managed to set up shop at 100% functionality.
  Using blockchain to store data is such a no-brainer that is almost hard to picture a reason why companies such as apple or Microsoft haven’t embraced the possibility.
  Studies made by these startups that haven’t taken off yet have already offered factual evidence that decentralized storage drives cost down a tenfold since big servers are no longer required to keep cloud services running.
  As easier as they are to use, a smart contract needs to contain certain specifications to make them viable and legal biding. Smart contracts offer security on every network since they are routed to the receiving recipients based on a series of future events.
  By structuring these smart contracts to be delivered automatically on request, there is a substantial lowering on the managing costs of a financial transaction that usually takes time and money to happen over such a meager thing as a signature. Whoever strikes the perfect template for a smart contract is sitting on a goldmine.
  Using blockchain technology to manage the points of a loyalty program means that no one will ever need to punch holes on a card anymore. It also means that a simple ID process will let your favored retailer know the type of bonus you will be able to collect using their loyalty program as you collect points for interacting with their brands. Gift cards can also be awarded to your name using the blockchain, and no one will be able to claim anything using coding that can be easily stolen.
  
  If you’re like most people, you want to own a boat without the hassles, time commitments, and expense. If this sounds like you, a boatshare in Rushcutters Bay might be the best option for your situation. For one, you can choose a bigger, better boat. You are only paying about 1/8th of the total price	
  If you’ve ever gone to the marina, you’re sure to have seen hundreds upon hundreds of yachts and boats floating aimlessly and invitingly on the water. Most people only wish they could own such a vessel, but with Sydney yacht share, anyone can be a boat owner. The problem with that picture-perfect scenario of beautiful	
  If you’re like many people, the thought of owning a boat is a pipedream. You know you can’t afford it, so you put it on the back burner and get back to living your non-boat-owning life. However, you probably aren’t aware that yacht fractional ownership is available and can help you own a boat without	
  Do you know people in your friendship circle that own boats? Many of them are likely to complain a lot about all the hassles of ownership. There is a saying amongst owners that the only two good days of ownership is when you buy and when you sell. However, you mustn’t listen wholeheartedly to those	
  Owning a vessel is something most people desire, but it’s a money-taker from the beginning. Even if you’re not on the water, you’re still spending money on your hobby, which can be difficult. Similarly, you’ll have to determine where to store it, how to get it seaworthy, and much more. The alternative, which is	
  Boat ownership is something that many people aspire to because it signifies wealth and success. However, owners will often tell newbies not to buy one because they rarely get to use their boat, and it costs so much for upkeep, dockage, and repairs. If you’re still sure that you need one, consider a boatshare in	
  
  At 65 degrees north latitude, the sky takes on a capricious life of its own—a canvas for the aurora borealis, the midnight sun and sunsets and sunrises that last forever. Here there are serious mountain ranges, pristine rivers and lakes, abundant wildlife and a certain poignant solitude that is found nowhere else on earth. Locals embrace the natural world and have created a vibrant river city in the far north. Where else can you travel to such a remote locale and still enjoy all the amenities of a charming downtown, a thriving arts community, rich Alaska Native culture, authentic Alaskan activities and attractions and endless opportunities for exploration?
  Alaska’s Interior is vast. This 175,000-square-mile inland area between the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north comprises about 30 percent of the state. Beautiful landscapes and charming small towns are found throughout the Interior.
  The Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like few other places on earth. This place that many dream about visiting is 196 driving miles (or 140 air miles) north of Fairbanks. Experience the vast wilderness panoramas, tundra-laden landscape and the indigenous cultures that define Alaska’s Arctic.
  In the far north, seasons are exciting and different. Fall is incredibly beautiful yet brief, spring is joyful and quick, and summer and winter are guaranteed: warm, sunny days during summer months and cold, snowy days during the winter.
  The Midnight Sun Season runs from April 22 to August 20. Long known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, Fairbanks experiences 70 straight days of sunshine during this time period and people are energized and on the go at all hours.
  During Aurora Season (August 21-April 21) in the Fairbanks region, the aurora borealis also known as the northern lights, almost always appears when the sky is relatively dark and clear. The Aurora Borealis Tracker correlates aurora forecast, weather conditions and time of day to determine aurora viewing possibilities in multiple locations.
  During the Midnight Sun Season (April 22- August 20), Fairbanks experiences 24 hours of sunlight for seventy days from May 17 to July 27. The Midnight Sun Tracker calculates the number of daylight hours, also known as civil twilight, 365 days a year in multiple locations.
  Check back frequently to see how up-to-the-minute, real-time aurora viewing opportunities change based on current aurora activity, weather and daylight.
  The Arctic Circle sparks the imagination like few other places on earth. This place that many dream about visiting is 196 driving miles (or 140 air...
  Go beyond the “Golden Heart” and visit Alaskan neighbors and partners in other areas of the state. It is hard to grasp how beautiful, expansive and...
  Alaska’s Interior is vast. This 175,000-square-mile inland area between the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north comprises...
  Rising 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) into the sky, Denali is North America’s highest peak. Denali National Park and Preserve covers six million acres of...
  Originally a gold rush boomtown, now known as the “Golden Heart City,” visitors find Fairbanks inviting, engaging and awe-inspiring—the heart of the...
  
  Merriam already makes sense for residents and business owners by being ranked as one of the Top 100 Small Towns Across America and the #1 Place to Start a Business in Kansas, but did you know that our city is an ideal location to host your special event or meeting? While we may not offer large convention space, our sweet spot is hosting small-to-medium sized gatherings. Whether you're planning a family reunion and need catering referrals or hosting a company retreat and want to conduct site visits at local hotels, the CVB is here to help! Check out the Top 10 Reasons to Meet in Merriam below and feel free to give us a call at 913.403.8999 or click here to host your event or meeting in Merriam today!
  Location, location, location. Merriam is located in the heart of the Kansas City region, just 10 minutes from downtown, 30 minutes to the airport and widely accessible to major highways and interstates. Many corporate HQ's call Merriam home because it makes sense to conduct business from our ultra convenient location.
  Value. With free parking city-wide and meeting room and lodging rates much lower than nearby cities, Merriam is an ideal meeting or event host for every budget.
  Customized hospitality. Our staff works hard to ensure your event or meeting will be a success. From planning to execution, we'll help you with site visits, negotiated room blocks, meeting room suggestions, goody bags, local vendor referrals and more. We'll even come out to greet your group. Have a special request? Just ask and we'll see what we can do.
  Facilities. For groups from one to a few hundred, we've got a space for you. From outdoor marketplace car shows to indoor team building retreats, check out Merriam's venues to see if something will work for you.
  Climate. If there's one really great thing about being in the Midwest (besides the fact that we're super friendly), it's the four season climate that we enjoy here in Merriam. Attendees traveling to Merriam for meetings will find mild winters and toasty summers, perfect for a nice blend of year-round business and pleasure.
  Connections. Starting your planning with the CVB is a great choice. While you may not where to find the best BBQ in KC or what live band would be a great entertainment option, we do! Let us help you connect with local vendors, suppliers and more.
  Group Tours. Merriam is "the" place to consider for group tours. If you're searching for a mid-day to do for 25+ people, throw a group tour in the mix. We've got a host of options to choose from and your guests will love them.
  Nearby everything. Merriam is situated in the best place possible for easy access to all of Kansas City's dining, attractions, events, sports and entertainment. From five to 30 minutes, we're just a hop and a skip away from nearly every venue in the metro.
  Shopping. This preferred activity is one of Merriam's top three visitor favorites and we've got plenty to offer the retail seekers. From great finds at Merriam Town Center and antique must-haves along Merriam Drive to the blue and yellow giant, IKEA, Merriam is a shopper's paradise and is a great post-meeting activity.
  After-hours unwind time. After a long day in the board room, sometimes you just need to connect with natureand breathe. Or, maybe you fancy a cold beer at a local bar & grill. There's a host of things to do after the work day is done and Merriam offers a nice selection for you to consider.