GFG Foundation doubles the size of its UK student programme 

The GFG Foundation launched the second phase of its student programme. Its aim is to help young people to be ready for the work force and more job-ready, more confident and more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)educated. It is focused on sustainability and gives students the chance to develop green industrial skills.

Following on from the successful pilot in Rotherham last year, the programme in 2023 has doubled in size, with almost 40 students in Year 9 from four local schools, Wath Academy, Swinton Academy, High Storrs and Sheffield High School for Girls, having signed up for the programme.

GFG Foundation students on the 12-week programme will be mentored by eight professionals from LIBERTY Steel UK, in collaboration with education partners the Engineering Development Trust. With a focus on sustainability, the programme helps students navigate the ever-expanding Green jobs market. Mentors will be on hand to support the students through their project work to design ‘A Sustainable Community’, as well as sharing their skills, knowledge and experience with the next generation.

In addition to developing STEM skills, students will build on their communication skills, with a focus on self-esteem building, so that students develop a confidence in using their own voice, expressing their points of view, so they are better able to navigate an adult world after school.

GFG Foundation students will also receive an industry-accredited Industrial Cadet Award.

Manager of the GFG Foundation Dr Claire Neilson:

​​​​​​​“We are delighted to bring this excellent opportunity to students in Sheffield and Rotherham and to have eight mentors from LIBERTY Steel UK supporting the students, demonstrating their passion for helping young people and their commitment to supporting the local community.

These programmes support young people to reach their potential and strengthen industries and local communities by boosting skills and employment prospects. Investing in our future generations is crucial to a sustainable future.”

Steve Shaw, LIBERTY Steel UK Works Engineer, mentor:

“I think it is extremely important that youngsters get the chance to understand what type of roles might be available to them as jobs/careers in the future and as the Rotherham site has given me a rewarding career for the last 34 years it seems nice to be able to try and put something back and bring on the next generation”.

Paul Needham, LIBERTY Steel UK Electrical Control Engineer, mentor:

“I had a great time on the day when GFG Foundation launched this programme for the second time. There were some fun icebreakers and good interaction between us mentors and the young people. There were probing questions about our careers and why we chose the paths we did. A young lady even asked me what my salary was. My main message to them was the wide choice of career paths in the STEM spectrum and the lovely experiences I had had with great teams of people.

The latter half of the day we were paired with the schools we were mentoring and kicked off the “project” which was improving the sustainability of a building of their choice.  My team chose a leisure centre and were brimming with ideas for energy reduction, some more realistic than others. My favourite was a moving staircase connected to a generator so the people using it gave some of their energy back to the grid. I am sure that this programme will bring a lot of value to everyone!”.

Andy Turton, LIBERTY Steel UK Quality Lead:

“This was not my first experience with students and mentoring. The results of last year project were not just the proposed ‘Renewable Rotherham’ aspects, but also the changes that were seen across the group of students. I was happy to pass on my knowledge and interest to ensure that we inspire the next leaders, technological developers that will hopefully drive and sustain not only the steel industry, but all industries going forward”.

Robert Reiss, LIBERTY Steel UK Customer Service and Development Metallurgist:

“Growing up in a part of the UK where manufacturing and engineering wasn’t a big industry, I wasn’t exposed to it as a career choice from an early age. This changed when I took part in a company mentored scheme very similar to what LIBERTY supported last year. I want to see as many kids as possible look for engineering and manufacturing industries as a possibility for them to grow up. That’s why I decided to step up and help them in the same way as I was helped when I was their age.

I would recommend everyone who is also passionate about the steel industry to go for mentoring. The students absolutely benefit from your experience in industry as they learn about their opportunities for the future, and you will take away so many positives from each session that you will be buzzing with enthusiasm for days later”.