Introducing our 2022 apprentices

Last week 16 new apprentices joined LIBERTY Steel UK to start a prosperous career. This marks the relaunch of the company’s apprenticeship programme.

The business has a hundred year history of offering apprenticeships and includes intensive basic skills training at the training centre at Stocksbridge.  Here, they are given the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to safely work on site from July, alongside a mentor to continue their development.

In 2019, LIBERTY Steel UK temporarily paused its annual intake of apprentices, due to the challenges faced throughout the pandemic.  This restart of the scheme is an important step in the Company’s development, its future performance and overall sustainability.

The new apprentices are expected to complete their formal qualification, which include engineering disciplines (electrical and mechanical) and IT over a three year period.  This year, the Company has also recruited a material engineering degree apprentice, who over the next 5 years will complete a degree as part of his apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University.

MICK HOOD, LIBERTY Speciality Steels HR Director welcomed the new members of LIBERTY Steel UK team during their induction day and shared his view on the importance of apprentices:

“Nowadays many companies face challenges due to the pandemic, constantly increasing prices, and an unstable world situation. Despite this, the steel industry has a sustainable future with the demand forecast to increase. The apprenticeship scheme gives you a ticket that sets you up for life. That’s why it is so important to invest in the scheme and develop the talent of the future. I am sure that these 16 young people who decided to become LIBERTY Steel UK’s apprentices have a bright future and we will ensure all the necessary support is there for them.”

Since 2010 LIBERTY Steel UK have trained circa 250 apprentices and 95% of them having remained with the business after finishing this programme.