Sheffield Forgemasters has started its latest drive to recruit 19 apprentices for September intake, across a wide range of disciplines. Following its acquisition by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) last year, successful applicants will join one of the country’s most advanced manufacturing businesses and join an award-winning apprenticeship scheme.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and those who are successful will receive fully-funded training, working towards a professional qualification while getting paid.

Rick Franckeiss, learning and development manager, said: “This is an exciting time for new apprentices to join the company, which has a secure future following its MoD acquisition that will enhance its reputation and position as a world-leading centre for engineering.”

The company plans to invest £400 million over the next 10 years to support its defence-critical assets, including plans for a new heavy forge line and building, a flood alleviation scheme and major machine tool replacements, which will be unmatched outside of the UK.

Mr Franckeiss added: “The opportunities that we now have for apprentice career development are extraordinary as we intensify our work for the MoD and pioneer manufacturing technologies for civil nuclear power and offshore wind power.

“I am delighted that we are in a position to offer 19 skilled apprenticeships ahead of our September intake and we expect a strong response to the launch. I would like to emphasise that gender and background are no barriers to jobs in this company and we welcome the broadest diversity of applicants.”

Details can be found on the Sheffield Forgemasters’ website and include a wide variety of roles in the following disciplines: accountancy; foundry work; machining/production fitting; electrical engineering; metallurgy; steelmaking; patternmaking; project management; and business administration.

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2022.