Meet Cameron Waldron, a shining example of promising talent thriving within the ranks of LIBERTY Steel UK. Five years ago, Cameron embarked on a journey from a small town in West Midlands to South Yorkshire to begin his apprenticeship with LIBERTY. As he approaches the completion of his Electrical Engineering Degree Level 6 this summer, Cameron has not only become a valued member of the LIBERTY Steel UK family but has also been nominated for the Rotherham Apprentice of the Year Award. Join us as we delve into Cameron’s inspiring story.

Tony Goddard, Training Manager for LIBERTY Steel UK, said, “Cameron has demonstrated, right from the start of his apprenticeship, the desire and enthusiasm not only for his engineering role but to be part of this company. This came initially with the commitment to uproot from his home in the West Midlands to relocate in South Yorkshire for this role. While in our training center at the start of the program, Cameron showed he had the maturity and attitude to make an exceptional engineer, which he has continued to demonstrate throughout the last five years. Cameron applies the same approach to his engineering degree, which he has been studying at Sheffield Hallam University and is regarded as an excellent student by their team.”

Five years ago, I knew nothing about the steel industry. But my father worked as an engineer at a railway. I wanted to have a real job as well. That’s why I started to look for apprenticeship programs with different companies. And LIBERTY attracted me as a decent company with great heritage and a bright future. I left my hometown, my family, and my friends to start a new life here.”

Cameron Waldron

Pioneering the Degree Apprenticeship Pathway

As the first apprentice to undertake the Electrical Engineering degree apprenticeship program at LIBERTY Steel UK, Cameron played a vital role in paving the way for future apprentices. His involvement in careers fairs, school engagement activities, and mentoring new apprentices demonstrated his commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting the growth of others. Cameron’s pioneering efforts in the degree apprenticeship pathway provided crucial evidence to the Engineering Management team, encouraging them to recruit more apprentices for this role. LIBERTY Steel UK recognizes that combining practical work experience with academic studies is a winning formula, and Cameron’s success serves as a testament to this approach.

Under the guidance of Justin Brent, his mentor and Development Engineer for LIBERTY Speciality Steels, Cameron gained extensive knowledge of the steel production process and engineering operations. Through placements across various sites and departments, he successfully met the training objectives of the business, contributing to its future-proofing efforts.

As Cameron nears the completion of his apprenticeship program, he is on the cusp of transitioning from an apprentice to a full-fledged LIBERTY employee. Having gained invaluable experience and knowledge throughout his journey, Cameron is poised to guide and inspire future apprentices, just as his mentors did for him.

Justin Brent added, “Leaving home and starting a new job away from friends and family can be a daunting prospect. However, it’s also a great chance to broaden your horizons, make new friends, and develop as a young adult. Gaining practical hands-on work experience while attending university provides a perfect training balance.”

I am very glad to have joined the LIBERTY team five years ago. I enjoy working here. While the steel industry may be considered an old-fashioned place to work, it provides ample opportunities for development and growth. Personally, I travel across our different sites, constantly learning something new. I look forward to a bright future ahead!”

Cameron Waldron

We are delighted to wish Cameron good luck in completing his apprenticeship degree and commend him for being one of our best apprentices, nominated for the Rotherham Apprentice of the Year Award.