Sheffield Forgemasters is the largest open die forging company in the country. One of Sheffield’s biggest employers, it is currently training more than 80 young people – over 10 per cent of the workforce – for a variety of roles throughout the business.
The recruitment challenges facing Sheffield Forgemasters are considerable. The work they do is highly specialised, and as large scale engineering companies become ever rarer in the UK, experienced staff are increasingly hard to find. Coupled with the problem of an ageing workforce, these difficulties can only be resolved by an enlightened approach towards staff training and development.
Why bother with Apprenticeships?
Steve Tagg, group HR manager at Sheffield Forgemasters, says: "Apprentices are the lifeblood of our business, and we see our trainees as vital to the future success of Sheffield Forgemasters. Investing in staff development and creating opportunities for workers also significantly benefits the local economy".
What works for Sheffield Forgemasters?
The on-the-job element of Sheffield Forgemasters’ Apprenticeship scheme means that more experienced workers can pass their skills directly on to our trainees. Their complementary college studies give them a recognised qualification that they can take anywhere – although 85 per cent of apprentices go on to work with the company full time.
Sheffield Forgemasters has had several Apprentice of the Year Award winners, and a number of senior staff at the business started their own careers as apprentices.