38 new apprentices start work at British Steel in Scunthorpe

A NEW generation of steelworkers have started their careers at British Steel in Scunthorpe.
The company has taken on 38 apprentices in a variety of roles at the Scunthorpe site. They join 10 youngsters who have also started apprenticeships at British Steel’s operations on Teesside.
Paul Martin, British Steel’s HR Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome these new employees to our business.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us and the apprentices. Our apprentices are trained by people whose skills and knowledge of the steel industry are second to none, they could not learn from anyone better.
“We hope they will become the steelworkers of tomorrow, helping them build first class careers and helping us build a sustainable business.”
In Scunthorpe, British Steel has taken on: 14 Electrical Craft apprentices, 12 Mechanical Craft apprentices, 5 Technical apprentices, 2 Electrical Trainee Engineer apprentices and 5 Functional apprentices.
All the youngsters, aged from 16 years, are trained on the Scunthorpe site and will follow in the footsteps of thousands of youngsters from North Lincolnshire who have joined the business as trainees over the decades.
There are now more than 100 apprentices at the Scunthorpe site and the intention is they will remain at British Steel when they have completed their training.
Paul said: “The steel industry is highly-skilled and it is vital that our new starters are given the very best training and I believe that is what we give them.
“Through thick and thin we have always remained committed to recruiting apprentices and the new British Steel business is proud to carry on that tradition.
“They have already made a good impression and I have no doubts they will go on to fulfil their potential and build long-lasting careers with British Steel.”
Nico Breviglieri (23) is a first year apprentice and trainee engineer, studying for an HNC in Electrical Engineering
Nico had worked for British Steel as a contractor at the coke ovens for two years but his dream has always been to become a chartered engineer. He spoke to some young engineers at the coke ovens, who encouraged him to apply for the apprenticeship scheme.
Last year he did a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering off his own back to give him a strong foundation before starting the apprenticeship scheme.
Nico said: “I’m proud to be on British Steel’s apprenticeship scheme. It’s going to give me the qualifications I need without the university debt and valuable work experience so I go straight into an engineering role. As an ex production worker, I’m familiar with the business, understand its values and I really enjoy working here alongside great people.”
Luke Graves (17)  is a first year apprentice in HR, studying an NVQ in Business Admin. He is a third generation steelworker – his dad, grandad and uncle have all worked on the Scunthorpe steelworks but he is the first to be office-based (his family members were all engineers).
Luke said: “I chose the apprentice route over university and I wanted to get the work experience while earning money. I attended an apprentice event at John Leggott College and British Steel had the most attractive apprenticeship scheme by far.
“Being a new company I feel it’s on the up and will offer me a good career.”