Sheffield Forgemasters has welcomed 23 new apprentices as part of its 2024 intake, marking a significant step forward in the company’s transformation into one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing facilities.
The apprentices join the renowned steelworks during a period of major investment and innovation, gaining access to Sheffield Forgemasters’ award-winning apprenticeship programme.
The scheme offers fully funded training, paid employment, and the opportunity to achieve professional qualifications.
Preparing for Defence and Energy Sector Demands
This year’s apprentices will be trained at various levels to support Sheffield Forgemasters’ evolving capabilities, which include producing complex components for the UK defence programme, such as the SSN-AUKUS submarine that will replace the Astute Class vessels. The company is also expanding its focus into civil nuclear and renewable energy, requiring a workforce adept at navigating cutting-edge technologies.
Emily Wynne, People Development Advisor for Early Careers at Sheffield Forgemasters, said:
“We are continuing to seek out the best candidates for our apprenticeships programme as we look to upskill the next generation of employees and preserve the skills we already have.
“The company’s transformation covers both its physical assets and its skill set as we move into a high-technology engineering sphere. We need to adapt our capabilities to meet the future demands of our defence work and expand into civil nuclear and renewable energy sectors. It’s great to welcome these new starters and see so much enthusiasm for their future careers.”
Major Investments in Infrastructure and Technology
Sheffield Forgemasters is undertaking an ambitious 10-year investment programme to modernise its facilities and maintain its role as a leader in advanced manufacturing. Key projects include the development of a new 13,000-tonne Forge line, a cutting-edge machining facility spanning 30,000m², and the replacement of 17 major machine tools, ensuring the company’s capabilities remain unmatched outside the UK.
Emily added:
“Sheffield Forgemasters’ apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the best in the region. Providing future generations with opportunities to build exciting and meaningful careers with lifelong skills is extremely rewarding.”
Future-Focused Apprenticeships
The 2024 intake includes roles in disciplines such as Site Services, Machining, Non-Destructive Testing, Projects, Quality Control, IT, Finance, and Recapitalisation. Among the group is a degree apprentice who will study Metallurgy at Sheffield Hallam University.
As Sheffield Forgemasters looks to the future, recruitment for its 2025 apprenticeship intake will launch in the coming months via the company’s website and social media channels.
This latest intake underscores the company’s commitment to investing in its workforce as it prepares to meet the challenges and opportunities of the defence, nuclear, and renewable energy sectors.
Source: Sheffield Forgemasters
