News - Page 3 of 51

CATCH Industrial decarbonisation network with Uniper

04^th October 2023

Guest chair Guy Phillips, Uniper welcomed delegates to the sold-out CATCH Industrial Decarbonisation network and welcomed Dr Danial Sturge, Carbon Policy Manager, Energy Systems Catapult, who presented – Addressing Carbon Leakage an introduction to Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms.

Danial provided background to the reports completed in 2020, and their response to the recent Department for Energy Security and Net Zero consultation. He explained the definitions of “international competitiveness impacts” and “carbon leakage”. He showcased the mechanisms used to mitigate carbon leakage and competitiveness impacts – depending on which carbon policy is applied. He covered Carbon Standards, Carbon Pricing and Carbon Subsidies.

Danial discussed the first trial phase of CBAM – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – and the following equation – Imported Emissions x (effective UK carbon price – Effective incurred carbon price) = CBAM liability.

He discussed the timings and the phasing of the carbon policies – as industry needs certainty to make investment decisions. But made the point that the application of carbon leakage policy measures will vary between industrial sectors.

Next Guy introduced his colleague Damian Shevloff, Uniper, who discussed the work of their Commercial asset solutions team, and asked the question – Decarbonising our industry: is there is silver bullet?

Damian introduced Uniper and explained that their target is to become carbon neutral by 2040. He explained their 22.5GW energy sources and generation and how they are split between Hydrogen wind and solar, coal fired, gas fired, nuclear and gas sourcing.

Next, Damian discussed their new strategy, introduced over the summer – Flexible, balanced, bespoke – providing what they energy system needs, with a £8b investment. This investment will be used for Green and Flexible power and Greener Gases – including the security of supply. Uniper is active in a number of clusters, and he highlighted the Killinghome asset in the heart of the Humber Industrial Cluster.

He then provided case studies of Uniper Energy Transformation Hubs – LNG Terminal, Ammonia Import Terminal and Electrolysis – turning Wilhelmshaven into a major German green energy hub. And Green Massvlakte Energy Hub in Rotterdam port.

Damian discussed their commercial asset solutions – focusing on decarbonising their industrial customers with a sustainable energy solution. Security of supply of steam, heat and electricity, decarbonised solution and cost effective and optimal integration with onsite processes. He discussed the process of their partnership approach – providing industrial customers with “a one stop shop”.

After a short team break, Guy gave an update on Uniper’s Humber Hydrogen Hub. He explained how Uniper is active in all parts of the Hydrogen Value chain, from energy supply to the end users.

He then discussed Uniper focusing on developing large scale H2 projects – around the world. Next, focusing on the UKs hydrogen development projects, he talked about North Wales: Connahs Quay, Humber: Killingholme and East Midlands: Ratclife. They chose these three sites because of strengths including available land, access to utilities and proximity to co2 transport and storage development.

Guy then showcased The Humber H2ub. Project is developed to pre feed stage, in partnership with Shell. The project enables 720 MW gas reforming CCS enabled hydrogen production capacity. Uniper awarded three contracts to Air Liquide, T.EN and Shell for gas reforming technologies. Once the evaluation is complete, Uniper will be able to select the best available technologies. Alongside that, they are working on the planning consent process.

After a series of questions, Guy handed over to David Talbot, CEO at CATCH to discuss the Humber Skills Plan – National Net Zero Training Centre.

David said that he has been speaking about the potential skills gap since the late 80’. He mentioned that we speak about the exciting net zero projects, none of these will happen unless we invest in the next generation and current workforce. And that’s what CATCH 2.0 is about.

David said that this project is not just a CATCH project, but an industry led project. That partners have already invested time and money to complete initial feed studies for the expansion, but also committed to expanding the CATCH facilities now, so that change can happen fast.

The industry led solution is to deliver at scale, and increase new entrants to the industry by a factor of 10, to a 1000 new entrants to industry per year by 2029, providing long term sustainable employment and career pathways through the energy transition. The industry needs engineering construction trades people – mechanical fitters, welders, pipe fitters, scaffolders, platers, electrical and instrumental technicians, process operators, painters and grit blasters.

David discussed with lead industry partner, Mark Riley, Philips 66, what the engineering technician of the future will look like and what is required to get there, such as utilising technologies and AI but also looking at engagement opportunities, including schools partnerships and bus routes and accommodation. Many stakeholders will be required to come together, that is why CATCH are building a consortium for success.

Next Guy introduced Melanie Boyeson from Children Challenging Industry, who explained how companies can make a difference and inspire children to consider STEM based careers. Melanie explained that their work not only aligns with industry but with the science curriculum. CCI have a waiting list year on year, schools are keen for businesses to provide links to stem careers.

Guy thanked the audience and speakers and closed the meeting with a networking lunch. Save the date for the next CATCH Hydrogen Network – 16th November.

An Artists Impression of how the New CATCH National Net Zero Training Centre could look

Today, CATCH announced ambitious plans for the development of a £60M state-of-the-art training facility, to reach a training goal of 1000 apprentices a year by 2029, at its Stallingborough headquarters, with the intent of tackling the engineering construction skill shortages anticipated in the Humber cluster and across the UK.

In anticipation of a series of Net Zero projects set to commence from as early as 2024 and beyond, a significant demand for skilled labour is on the horizon. These projects are projected to generate a potential 20,000 new industrial jobs, necessitating an unprecedented, rapid upscaling of the existing skills pipelines.

Following initial funding support from key industrial sponsors, and CATCH members, Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, and VPI Power, CATCH has developed plans for the future training centre expansion needed to deliver 1000 new learners per year by 2029. Developing towards a future final investment decision, CATCH plans to continue to build broad support across industry and government for this new national net zero training centre.

Subject to further partner engagement and planning permission, the new facility is planned to house a national net zero conference and learning centre, bespoke classrooms and workshops for electrical, instrumentation, mechanical technical skills, a welding and fabrication hub with an impressive 160 welding bays, and a UK first of kind outdoor Process Unit Training Module to enable a real process site experience in a safe environment for all trade skills. In addition, provisions cater for enhanced car parking facilities and a dedicated CATCH regional bus infrastructure to help get talented apprentices to the site from across the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire regions.

“Our phased strategy ensures a sustainable expansion of apprenticeship numbers, targeting the training of 1000 apprentices annually by 2029,” David Talbot, CATCH CEO commented, “The backbone of this initiative’s success will be the support from the industrial supply chain. Many companies understandably are waiting to assess the skills landscape before committing to expanding or creating new apprenticeship vacancies. Our proposed new facility helps to mitigate this risk, with dedicated support from the CATCH team, the industrial supply chain can be confident that together we can ensure that the skills pipeline is sustainable for the low carbon future.

“It’s a complex picture, and we realise that we cannot do this alone, we all need to pull together as a region, to solve one of the biggest challenges to deploying the net zero infrastructure. This tabled investment represents a vital piece in the puzzle of the UK’s decarbonisation journey.

Central to CATCH’s vision is the cultivation of the next generation of skilled highly paid labour. Through their dedicated schools’ engagement team, CATCH aims to tap into the local communities, shedding light on STEM career paths and fuelling aspirations.

“Our mission is clear: to inspire and educate the industry’s future craftspeople. The UK’s path to net zero starts with today’s youth, and we’re here to ensure they have the resources, skills, and opportunities to lead the way” concluded David.

Paul Fursey, Lead Executive UK and Humber Refinery General Manager said:

“To build the infrastructure required to deliver net zero for the UK, we need to invest in creating the skilled workforce of tomorrow. CATCH’s new Net Zero Training Centre will become a hub of excellence, demonstrating how the UK can increase the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the net zero targets. Through support from Phillips 66 Limited and our fellow delivery sponsors, Harbour Energy and VPI, local industry support, and local schools and colleges, we believe we can make a powerful difference to inspire the next generation of welders, pipefitters, mechanical fitters, platers, scaffolders and much more.”

Viking CCS Project Director Graeme Davies said:

“Viking CCS is crucial to unlocking net zero in the UK and helping to decarbonise industries in the Humber, however we need thousands of skilled workers to build the infrastructure to deliver it. This is a huge opportunity for the Humber and North Lincolnshire to be at the epicentre of an enduring green jobs revolution.”

Jonathan Briggs, VPI Humber Zero Project Director said:

“Delivering a decarbonised Humber and enabling the energy transition to facilitate this means pre-investing in the workforce of the future. The Net Zero Training Centre at CATCH will support the creation of the Humber’s new workforce, safeguard the competitiveness of the Humber’s industrial base, and support leading projects such as Humber Zero and Viking CCS”.

Julian Free, University of Lincoln Deputy Vice Chancellor said:

“This significant expansion of CATCH facilities to train the skilled people the Humber needs to decarbonise is a critical step in achieving Net Zero by 2050. If the Humber’s emissions are not radically reduced, and quickly, the UK will miss the target. The development of CATCH working with industry presents a fantastic opportunity for those of us living in the region to play a major part in the UK’s future success and to build a strong and prosperous region with long-term opportunities for all”

To keep informed about this project – register your details here.

CATCHs-Head-of-Welding-and-Pipefitting-Joel-Broddle-with-SES-Business-Development-Manager-Andrew-Lait-at-the-new-Welding-and-Pipefitting-Hub-1280x853.jpg

Leading provider of high-quality plant equipment, SES has recently completed a six-figure deal to supply world-renowned training facility CATCH with a full suite of welding equipment ahead of the launch of their Welding and Pipefitting Hub, which opens this week.

The new facility is designed to host 28 students, with courses in Pipefitting, Plate Welding and Pipe Welding. As the sole contractor working with CATCH, SES has provided Lincoln Electric welding equipment as well as new cutting machinery, tools and equipment for apprentices and staff for a 3 year period.

The specialist equipment rental company, with bases in Aberdeen and Grimsby, offer more than 1,000 different types of equipment and an asset register comprising more than 30,000 individual items. Their hire fleet offers a full spectrum of specialist tools for every discipline involved in offshore oil and gas maintenance, renewables, petrochemicals, manufacturing, modifications, hook-up and decommissioning.

Andrew Lait, SES Business Development manager, said: “We are really proud to be working with CATCH on the launch of the new Welding and Pipefitting Hub. We opened our Grimsby base in March last year, and the work that we have done with CATCH has been incredible.

“It’s great to play a part in the development of future operations and engineering maintenance workforces. There’s a real gap in the market, and we can’t wait to see the hub evolve over time.”

Earlier this year, SES held an open day at the CATCH training facility in Grimsby, where 5 organisations showcased their service offering. Throughout the day, over 150 business people, students and apprentices came together to network, share their experiences and discuss future projects within the area.

Andrew continues, “At SES, our key focus is sustainability. We opened our base in Grimsby following a consistent level of business wins so that we could service our customers in a timely and cost-effective way. Having a base in the Humberside area allows for our customers to buy locally whilst cutting down on carbon emissions through moving equipment.

CATCH is an industry-led partnership supporting the process, energy, engineering and renewable industries in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Humber, offering industry authentic training and assessment without the risks associated with processing hazardous materials. The £12 million training facility is actively involved in developing and delivering skills and qualifications programmes both regionally and nationally.

Joel Broddle, Head of Welding and Pipefitting, said: “We are thrilled to be opening of The Welding and Pipefitting Hub at our Humber site on September 18. Over a number of months, we have been working to acquire the latest equipment to provide our apprentices with top-quality learning resources. We would like to thank SES and Andy Lait for their invaluable support and guidance in ensuring the timely completion of our orders.

“We are looking forward to developing the relationship with SES and Worley over the next 12 months and we are confident that their collaboration will play a vital role in training the next generation of skilled welders, pipefitters, and fabricators. Together, we aim to make a positive impact on the industry and nurture a bright future for aspiring crafts people.”

CATCH has been selected as a finalist for the ECI Training & Development awards, in the category of “Training Provider of the Year”.

The award is to recognise an exceptional training provider with a proven track record in delivering high quality training & assessment and creating a positive impact with learners, employers and clients. The awards will take place on Thursday 2^nd November at The Cutty Sark in London.

The Approved Training Provider category is full of strong competition, with fellow finalists GSS Training and Forth Valley College both in the running for the award.

It is the 2^nd time in 4 years that CATCH has been selected as a finalist, having won the award in 2019, only 2 years after the CATCH Skills training brand was formed. Since becoming an ECITB training provider, CATCH has awarded ECITB qualifications to over 7000 learners across various training programmes. The CATCH footprint has grown exponentially in the past 12 months which has led to us delivering courses across the UK on clients’ sites including Scotland, Isle of Man, Teeside, West Yorkshire, Wales and the South East of England.

In addition, the launch of our apprenticeship programmes across Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Process Operations, Welding & Pipefitting, some of which are for ECITB clients and supply chain contractor employers, has seen us take steps to help bridge the skills gap in the region and meet the demand of net zero transition. Our apprenticeship programme features a range of added value courses, some of which are accredited by ECITB, to enhance the learners skills set and experience before they join site in their second year of training.

CATCH Chief Operating Officer, James McIntosh said “We are delighted to have been selected as a finalist for the ECITB Training & Development Awards. To make the final 3 providers is great recognition for the hard work and effort of our fantastic team of people at CATCH. I am sure the event will be an enjoyable evening and showcase the many success stories that we have in our industry ”.

Find out more about the ECI Training and Development awards here.

As part of the government’s strategy and commitment to clean growth and net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the £66 million Transforming Foundation Industries (TFI) Challenge brings together the metals, glass, paper, ceramics, cement and bulk chemical industries to address environmental impact and global competitiveness.

A comprehensive study carried out by the Enterprise Resource Centre (ERC), commissioned by TFI, has highlighted the scarcity of diversity within boardrooms as a barrier to fostering innovation. This study has proposed a key solution: a call for increased diversity within senior positions across the Foundation Industries.

As part of TFI’s commitment to the future prosperity of the Foundation Industries, we are offering 20 fully funded places as part of a 12-month pilot Leadership programme, with additional coaching, starting in Autumn 2023. We are looking to recruit enthusiastic individuals from across the Foundation Industries who have a vocational background (e.g. through an apprenticeship programme or entering work directly from school or college) and welcome applicants from varied age groups, ethnic minorities, and genders and sexes.

Download further details and the self-nomination form here

Dave Evans, Senior Auditor, conducted a Concom Outage Client Safety Tour at the EP SHB power station towards the end of the shutdown. Senior members of EP SHB management were also present during the tour and were highly impressed by the professionalism, cleanliness, and tidiness despite the extensive activities that had taken place.

The Concom Apprentice of the Year Award interviews were held, with 7 nominees, 5 of whom were interviewed, and 4 winners were selected. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at Catch in August, with more details about the winners to be revealed next month.

Recently, 9 audits were carried out, and the Concom team expresses gratitude to all involved for their time, preparations, and hospitality. The positive feedback from contractor members was greatly appreciated.

In preparation for later this year, free Concom Awareness Training is planned for contractor members. The training will focus on the subject of raising safety observations and addressing near misses. Keep an eye out for flyers and updates.

The Concom Team is set to launch the new Concom Portal for clients in September. After careful consideration, it was decided that the overviews, training, communications, and other features would be best introduced after the holiday season. The portal will be rolled out for contractor members following the launch. Stay informed through updates on LinkedIn and your email Inbox.

Concom is actively working on promoting and communicating its services through social media, particularly on LinkedIn. You can follow the Catch and/or Dave Evans pages and feel free to ‘like’ and share their posts.

IDRIC (the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre) is pleased to announce funding through The University of Lincoln as part of its secondment programme. The funding will mean that Katie Hedges of CATCH will be seconded to the University under IDRIC’s secondment programme until mid-February 2024 for 1 day per week.

Katie was instrumental in taking the Humber Industrial Cluster Plan from bid concept to delivery. Her depth of knowledge about the UK’s largest industrial cluster is unique and CATCH is committed to working with key regional partners to ensure their members and stakeholders see a strong legacy built for the region from the Cluster Plan.

Katie will work closely with Professor Joe Howe, the IDRIC Academic Cluster Lead for the Humber who was has also recently been appointed.

David Talbot, CATCH CEO said ‘This secondment is a great opportunity for our universities to come together with local public and private sector stakeholders to drive forward cluster plan next steps’

Professor Joe Howe said ‘This secondment will ensure acceleration of the Humber Industrial Cluster Plan actions for research and innovation priorities and build stronger connections between the Humber industrial cluster and the over 30 Academic Institutions that are part of IDRIC’s UK research programme. It will also build opportunities for additional strategic secondment opportunities in the area.’

Katie Hedges added ‘Through this exciting secondment opportunity we can ensure rapid knowledge exchange can progress the suite of recommendations and actions critical to meeting deep decarbonisation targets by 2030 and net zero by 2040 for the largest industrial cluster in the UK.’

The Humber’s cluster plan was published in March 2023. The outputs include key reports including market, policy, regulation & social studies, each with a strong set of recommendations for action – https://www.humberindustrialclusterplan.org/output-reports.html

More information on the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre can be found here: http://www.idric.org

CATCH, the leading provider of industrial apprenticeships, based in Stallingborough, proudly hosted its first annual Apprenticeship Awards ceremony on 6^th July. The event recognised the accomplishments of the rising stars of the future and showcased their outstanding contributions to the industry.

The CATCH Apprenticeship Awards, which were hosted at the Stallingborough Grange Hotel, brought together professionals, industry leaders, apprentices, and their families to honor the dedication and commitment displayed by the next generation of industry craftspeople.

Throughout the event, attendees heard from prominent people in the industry, who commended the hard work and determination of the apprentices. The awards ceremony highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in developing practical skills, nurturing talent, and building a workforce for the future.

Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of various awards in recognition of outstanding achievements.

The Reynolds Apprentice of the Year – Henry Whitehead, Birch Solutions. This prestigious award celebrated the apprentice who demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency, a strong work ethic, and outstanding contributions to their team and organisation.

Henry commented, “”As someone who’s come back into education later in life, I’ve come a long way in my learning and development since starting the apprenticeship, so receiving this award really meant a lot to me and showed that I’m on the right career path.”

“We have created the CATCH Apprenticeship Awards to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our exceptional apprentices,” said Eve McIntosh, Apprentice Account manager, CATCH

“Their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to their respective specialisms are a testament to the bright future that lies ahead. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their contributions to our industry. We are proud to offer the most employer focused pathways in the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Humber regions and the awards ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in apprenticeships and providing a premium hands on experience for aspiring craftspeople”

Full list of 2023 award winners:

Most Improved Award Electrical sponsored by Greenergy

Winner: Libby Manning – Triton Power

Most Improved Award Mechanical sponsored by Wood

Winner: Adam Stevens – Tronox

Most Improved Award Process sponsored by Cargill

Winners: Tom Havler – Triton Power and Lawrence Burchell – Lenzing Fibers

Academic Achiever Award Electrical sponsored by Enfinium

Winner: Kyle Mortlock – Ineos

Academic Achiever Award Mechanical sponsored by CSNRI

Winner: Lucy Wilson – Wood Group

Academic Achiever Award Mechanical Special Recognition sponsored by CSNRI

Winner: Tom Kerridge – 2 Sisters Food Group

Academic Achiever Award Process sponsored by Cargill

Winners: Matthew Richardson – Prax and James McCann – VPI Immingham

Practical Competency Award – Electrical sponsored by SIAS

Winner: Grace Walton – Tronox

Practical Competency Award – Mechanical sponsored by SIAS

Winner: Henry Whitehead – Birch Solutions

Practical Competency Award – Process sponsored by Prax

Winners: Joseph Masterton – Solenis and Ethan Hill – Cargill

The Above and Beyond Award sponsored by VEGA

Winner: Matthew Gale – Air Products

The Rising Star Award sponsored by Air Products

Winner: Joshua Gray – Cargill

The CATCH Friend Award sponsored by CATCH

Winner: William Hargreaves – VPI Immingham

The Employer Award sponsored by the Apprentice Employment Agency

Winner: Harry Tant – Tronox

Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Reynolds Training Services

3^rd Place – Kyle Mortlock – Ineos

2^nd Place – James McCann – VPI Immingham

Winner: Henry Whitehead – Birch Solutions

For more information about CATCH Apprenticeships and its commitment to securing future skills in the engineering, energy, process and renewables industries please visit www.catchuk.org

CATCH was delighted to host a special session of the Humber Industrial Decarbonisation Network featuring Edwin James Group and the Institute of Collaborative Working. The session was well attended by over 50 in person delegates who learnt about the benefits of collaborative working in contract performance and how industrial clusters can embed collaboration successfully to improve safety performance, decrease project risk and improve societal benefits.

David Talbot, CATCH CEO opened the event and welcomed Christopher Kehoe, CEO from Edwin James Group who co-chaired the session and has been an advocate for the Institute of Collaborative Working for many years.

The first speaker was Frank Lee, CEO of the Institute of Collaborative Working. Frank explained that working collaboratively means being honest and truthful and building trust and resilience with partners. Collaboration will be essential as we move towards meeting net zero targets each of us will need to explore our Scope 3 emissions. Measuring and monitoring performance, for example, social value outcomes and impacts are critical. Frank spoke of evidence of improved safety performance in contracts where principles of collaborative working have been implemented. Structure is the key to effective collaboration and helps manage risk – look at your systems, processes, competence and culture.

Louise McMahon, Strategy and Business Improvement Director at Kier Highways gave the next presentation which was a case study to describe how the Kier Group has used a robust framework for both internal and external collaboration. Building strong supply chain partnerships is one of the success criteria for the business. Kier was awarded the ISO44001 standard in 2017, being one of the early adopters. Louise recognised that the standard is hard but what are the risks of not doing it? The ICW has an assessment tool that organisations can use to see where they are on the journey.

Stuart Driscoll, Managing Director of Parker Technical Services presented a Sellafield case study. Historically, projects at the complex site have overrun and gone over budget. The collaborative approach established a Programme and Project Partnership of key partners to deliver improved performance over a 20 year pipeline of major infrastructure projects. The PPP work together to identify and mitigate risks, measure performance, and meeting social impact targets including local job creation and training opportunities, meeting environmental targets, as well as school engagement.

After the break, Mark Orpin, COO Edwin James Group, gave a presentation on how the organisation has driven up apprentice numbers to over 150 learners across a group of 1000 employees. Mark explored the drivers and challenges this has presented and the wider skills shortages across the sector.

David Talbot led a Q&A panel featuring all speakers and took questions from the audience.

Last week CATCH was lucky enough to host our second school trip through Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC). Ormiston South Parade Academy came to visit!

Mark Booth, Head of Skills, CATCH said, “Through the CIEC we have committed to hosting two school visits per year, to inform the children in a fun and practical way about industry careers. Hopefully assisting with building the employees of the future and narrowing the industries skills gap. We were thrilled to welcome Ormiston South Parade Academy pupils, who we all impeccably behaved and pleasure to have on-site with us”

Charlotte Carter, Year 5/6 Teacher, Ormiston South Parade Academy said, “Wow! Where do I even start! Thank you so much for such a fantastic project that our pupils have been very lucky to have been part of. The trip was probably the best trip I’ve ever been on since starting teaching. My class are a mixed bunch of pupils with a variety of SEN needs and they were honestly so hooked on all the activities. All the staff at CATCH were so kind, patient and such a delight to work with. I definitely have a number of inspired engineers on my hands now.”

The CIEC aim to promote excellence in primary science teaching and learning, increase children’s and teachers’ awareness of STEM careers and industries, and raise children’s science capital. Mark Contined, “CATCH is very proud to be a part of this amazing initiative to encourage children to consider a career in engineering, giving them hands-on experience and a flavour of what it’s like in industry. I really can’t recommend enough any company getting involved, a very satisfying and rewarding experience.”

Check out the gallery below – click the arrow to move through the images.