September 07, 2008

Forgemasters win prestigious learning and skills award

Sheffield Forgemasters has been honored with a top regional learning and skills award thanks to its contribution to training and apprenticeships. Up against the most innovative and committed companies in Yorkshire and the Humber region, Forgemasters took the Clive W Leach Award for Outstanding Contribution to Training by a Company at the Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards 2008.

Brand new for 2008, the Clive W Leach Award saw Forgemasters short listed for its exceptional program of development for its own apprentices which is putting vital engineering skills back into the industry.

Mr Graham Honeyman CEO of Sheffield Forgemasters said that "Forgemasters has made great strides forward and much of that is down to the hard work and enthusiasm from the workforce. The management team at Sheffield Forgemasters has always understood the importance of training a skilled workforce and we are delighted that the work that has been put into the apprenticeships scheme has been recognized with this award.” He added that "I feel very proud to be a part of this company, and would like to thank each of our apprentices for rising to the challenges set before them."

Mr Fearne Cotton presenter of the awards said that "The Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards are an important way to recognize the importance of learning and skills in all of our lives. I've thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the CoLaS 2008 and especially witnessing the inspirational success stories of individuals' and employers' learning and skills achievements many in the face of adversity."

The 200 year old company, which is the largest open die forging company in the UK, is currently training 61 apprentices from a total of 708 employees for specialist careers and roles in all departments across the 64 acre Brightside Lane site