Sheffield Forgemasters launches largest ever apprentice recruitment

Sheffield Forgemasters International is leading its largest recruitment of trainees to date, with positions across the company ranging from bricklayer to degree students as it future-proofs the business against an ageing workforce and sources new skill-sets.

Recruitment will start during the summer with the appointments made in September, offering fully paid, four-year apprenticeships to applicants from across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and adopting all new Government-approved training standards, funding and assessment plans.

Rick Frankeiss, group training manager at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for 33 forward-thinking individuals to establish life-long careers and good salaries, not to mention the chance to progress to the top ranks of this business.

“The people we take on this year will be fundamental to the future of this company as we plan ahead and look at succession and retirements within our operations. It is a massive commitment by the company in terms of wages, training fees and mentoring time, but it is an investment for the long-term.

“The apprenticeships will require us to adopt entirely new systems for training in line with guidelines and structures established by the Institute for Apprenticeships in London, including more detailed mentoring and end-point assessment for the first time.

“We have to grow our own skills base because our work is unique and we are looking for trainees in such jobs as pattern making, machining, foundry work, maintenance roles, welding, fitting and research and development – it covers most of our operations.”

Sheffield Forgemasters employs 690 staff and has been a staunch champion of apprenticeships since a management buyout in 2005, and its chief executive, Dr Graham Honeyman, is also chair of the Engineering and Manufacturing Route Panel at the Institute for Apprenticeships.

Mr Frankeiss added: “This is the largest intake of apprentices that we have committed to, and we anticipate a high number of applicants. As we have taken three apprentices on so far in 2018, the total intake this year will be 36.

“We expect any candidates to be prepared for a rigorous selection process, with shortlisting followed by an assessment centre and then a final interview. We look for people who demonstrate a positive attitude, are keen to engage and are attentive and willing to learn.”

All of the apprenticeships will be advertised on the company website and also via the Sheffield College, which partners Forgemasters in the training of its apprentices.

Sheffield Forgemasters www.sheffieldforgemasters.com