Lisa Buck, Author at

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CATCH was delighted to welcome Sir David Bell, Vice Chair of Skills England, and Andrew Mills, Skills England Regional Relationship Manager (North), to our Stallingborough site this week.

Hosted by CEO David Talbot, the visit included a tour of our industry-led training facilities, followed by a working lunch and roundtable discussion with representatives from across the Humber’s process, energy, and engineering sectors.

The roundtable provided a valuable opportunity for employers to share key challenges – including skills shortages, the need for greater training capacity, and clarity around funding and investment – directly with the Skills England team. Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration between training providers, colleges, and employers to address regional skills gaps and deliver a workforce ready to support major infrastructure and the clean energy mission projects.

We thank our members, partners, and stakeholders for contributing to such an impactful session and look forward to continuing our engagement with Skills England to shape a skills system that truly meets the needs of industry.


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CATCH, the membership-led industrial training organisation, has commenced build on their latest expansion with Lindum Group.

The new facility, which is an extension of the CATCH head-office and conferencing building, will house a new central atrium, lecture theatre, event and breakout space including AR/VR suite and Board Room.
The Humber Freeport has provided £4M of funding towards the industry backed CATCH expansion programme, which is part of the organisation’s wider plans to scale up the number of engineering construction trades people required to build, operate and maintain the UK’s energy security infrastructure.

The expansion, supported by public and private place-based investment, will lead initiatives and projects to build academic partnerships, STEM careers & educational outreach, reskilling and upskilling delegates employed or seeking employment in the Humber industrial cluster where new jobs are being created for the clean power industries and through deployment of new technologies in hydrogen and carbon capture and storage.

The ground breaking ceremony welcomed public sector investors, industry sponsors, CATCH board Members and key stakeholders from across the region. Speeches were delivered from David Talbot CEO CATCH, Simon Green, CEO Humber Freeport, Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes and Martin Vickers Conservative MP for Brigg and Immingham.

Katie Hedges, Chief Strategy Officer said, “Our new centre will play a vital role in accelerating the Humber’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By supporting our members & new investors, nurturing clean growth businesses, and strengthening our ties with local universities, this facility will not only deliver our core membership services but also create skilled jobs, support supply chain development, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders across our industrial communities”.

Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport, said: “Alongside driving investment through our tax sites, Humber Freeport launched with three key focuses – innovation, decarbonisation and skills.
“CATCH’s expansion, supported by significant private sector investment, will advance the region’s capabilities in all of those areas, creating a talent pool for employers to tap into and ensuring our region has the skilled people it needs to unlock growth.

“The Government has this week published its Industrial Strategy, and within it, made one thing very clear – the clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century. As the pre-eminent energy cluster in north west Europe, the scale of opportunity we have in the Humber to drive the UK’s green industrial revolution is enormous.

“Humber Freeport is pleased to be supporting CATCH with its ambitious expansion, as we continue to work closely with the organisation and its industrial partners to understand how freeport status can act as a powerful tool to help the Humber achieve its strategic objectives.”

Cllr Phillip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said “This is great news for North East Lincolnshire. It provides great training opportunities for learners in NEL, particularly young people and preparing them for a future with well paid skilled jobs. We are very proud of the model where we work in partnership with industry to shape training programmes to meet their needs and focus on where the job growth is and we believe that, in close partnership with the Freeport and our new Mayoral Combined County Authority, this is just the start of delivering an improved skills and training offer in our region.”


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CATCH is proud to announce that it has been awarded Service Provider of the Year at the 2025 Chemical Industries Association (CIA) Awards. The award recognises CATCH’s outstanding contribution to the UK chemical industry through its innovative, industry-led skills, training, and competency programmes.

Located in the heart of the UK’s Energy Estuary, CATCH delivers high impact services tailored to meet the evolving needs of industry, from its world-class training facilities and membership networks to its policy engagement and school outreach work. CATCH was shortlisted for three awards alongside tough competition in the industry – The Sustainability Award, The Service Provider of the Year Award and the Company of the Year Award.

David Talbot, CEO of CATCH, said:
“To be recognised by the CIA as Service Provider of the Year is a proud moment for our team. This award is a testament to the power of partnership, working together with our communities, industry, government, and education to build the skills and infrastructure needed for our region and beyond. We are now triple award winning, having previously been awarded the ECITB training provider of the year, and the ATA Training Provider of the year”.

To find out more about CATCH and their services please visit www.catchuk.org


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We are delighted to announce that three CATCH Member Network groups are hosting events during Humber Business Week.

Humber Business Week takes place during the 2nd-6th June 2025 and celebrates the vibrant business landscape on our region. Our Programme includes:

Humber Industrial Decarbonisation Conference – register your place with Lisa – lisa.buck@catchuk.org. Exhibition spaces still available to book – reach out to Katie – katie.hedges@catchuk.org
Sponsored by Apprenticeship Employer Agency & The University of Hull
Location – Aura Innovation Centre, Hessle
10.00 – Welcome and Introductions from Chair – Joe Howe, Net Zero Humber Professor, University of Lincoln
10.05 – Key Note/Opening Address – Professor Peter Styring, The University of Sheffield
10.20 – Low Carbon Energy Transition in the Humber Industrial Cluster – Ralph Windeatt, ABP & Frederick Sene, Air Products
10.50 – Coffee Break (on mezzanine with exhibitors)
11.10 – Killingholme Low Carbon Power Project – Michelle Zietsman, Uniper
11.35 – Exolum & the role of the UK’s fuel infrastructure in the green transition – Edward Gill, Exolum
12.00 – Event close & buffet lunch (on mezzanine with exhibitors)

Environmental Managers Conference – register your place with Katie – Katie.hedges@catchuk.org
Sustainability & Circular Economy Event sponsored by TYR
Location – Rope Walk, Maltkin Road, South Humberside
1000 – Welcome – Martin Jones, Prax LOR, Chair
1005 – Circular Business Models – Andrew Gadd, Footprint Services
1030 – Cleaner Greener Future – The Reverse Coal Project – Dr Amir Badiee, University of Lincoln
1055 – Coffee Break
1110 – An Environment for Net Zero: the role of land, water and nature in net zero goals for North Lincolnshire and the Humber – Bruce Howard & Will McDonald
1130 – Humber Nature Partnership Strategic Update – Alex Hajok & Jackson Sage, Humber Nature Partnership
1155 – Future Topic & next meeting
1200 – Lunch & Networking

EDIB Conference – Generational Diversity – register your place with Lisa – lisa.buck@catchuk.org
Location – CATCH, Stallingborough
09:30 – 12:00 with lunch & Networking

This conference will focus on Generational Diversity with Protiviti, who were commissioned by and work with the London school of economics to deliver a study on this all important topic. Hosted by CATCH EDIB Chair Paul McCartan, Yara, will provide organisations with data-driven insights to increase productivity across the various generations of the workforce. We will be exploring the productivity potential of multi-generational meetings, including:
– The importance of Age Diverse teams in advancing organisational performance
– An Organisation’s ability to successfully adapt and compete for talent is dependent on a flexible and age inclusive workforce

We will hear about the year 2 survey, currently in flight, which is focusing on:
Generational Impressions of AI in the workplace
Keys to building Intergenerational Belonging.

The session will include interactive presentations, breakout sessions to discuss key questions and challenges and a group session to distil and prioritise actions to take forward.

 


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Following the opening of the Welding and Pipefitting Hub in September 2024, the next stage of the CATCH expansion programme has been granted planning permission. The new development includes an Industrial Decarbonisation Centre and a new build Renewable Energy Training Centre, both set to officially open in early 2026. Supported by investment from partners Viking CCS members Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, Drax Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), plus Air Products and Uniper, alongside funding from the Humber Freeport.

These new facilities will further strengthen CATCH’s position as a leading hub for skills training and development in the region. As industries move towards the clean power mission these centres will equip the current and future workforce with the skills required for the evolving sector.

David Talbot, CEO of CATCH said, “These developments mark the next stage in our plans to train 1000 apprentices per year by 2030. Partnership is what makes CATCH different, we leverage knowledge gained from our members and stakeholders, to find out exactly what industry really needs now and in the future. By collaborating across our skills eco-system, from our outreach and engagement work to supporting the community to the upskilling of adults – we can contextualise and provide up to date training across the sector. We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support of our investors in making this vision a reality.”

The Renewable Energy Training Centre will offer hands-on training for technicians and operators, with new purpose built workshops, classroom space and common areas. While the Industrial Decarbonisation Centre, will feature a lecture theatre, inward investment suite, AR/VR capability as well as upgraded reception, office space and breakout areas for networking.

Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport, said:

“To decarbonise the Humber’s industrial cluster and transition to a net zero economy, we need the right people with the right skills and expertise.

“Facilities like CATCH are absolutely vital to equip our future workforce with the capabilities and the confidence to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving and growing green skills sector.

“The strength of CATCH’s proposition is underlined by the breadth of cross-sector support and funding from industry and partners. Through the Freeport’s Seed Capital Fund, we were delighted to play our part in the next exciting chapter of CATCH’s story.

“As the Humber accelerates towards low carbon technologies and innovation, CATCH will serve as a centre of excellence for clean energy, connecting industry with a pool of highly-skilled people ready to drive sustainable, green economic growth.”

Paul Fursey, Lead Executive UK & General Manager, Humber Refinery at Phillips 66 Limited said:

“The establishment of the Industrial Decarbonisation Centre and the Renewable Energy Training Centre at CATCH represents a pivotal step forward in enhancing skills development in the Humber region.

“Our recent investment in the training centre not only reflects our ongoing collaboration with local industry to support future growth and innovation but also fortifies the region’s economic resilience as we transition to a lower carbon economy”

Richard Gwilliam, Chair of the Humber Energy Board and UK BECCS Programme Director at Drax Group, said:

“The Humber is the UK’s biggest decarbonisation opportunity and CATCH has a critical role to play in developing the pipeline of talent our region needs to deliver on our green growth ambitions.

“We’re pleased to see that CATCH’s Industrial Decarbonisation Centre and Renewable Energy Training Centre have secured planning permission and are moving closer to construction. These facilities will equip current and future workers with in-demand skills that can lead to long-term careers in the Humber and globally.”

For more information about the upcoming expansion or to inquire about training opportunities, please contact CATCH directly at – info@catchuk.org


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The University of Hull and CATCH have announced plans to collaborate on a series of key opportunities to expand the skills and research landscape in the region.

The two organisations have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support talent development and research initiatives.

As part of this collaboration, the University of Hull and CATCH will work together on several key initiatives, including:

  • Developing joint training opportunities, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes and short courses tailored to CATCH industry members.
  • Exploring opportunities for University of Hull students to utilise CATCH facilities as part of their curriculum development.
  • Seeking joint research funding to advance industry-led projects.
  • Identifying opportunities for joint Knowledge Exchange funding to support collaborative innovation.
  • Enhancing apprenticeship programmes to bridge the gap between academic study and industry practice.
  • Organising training days focused on project practice and data analysis.

These initiatives aim to provide students and industry partners with hands-on experience and collaborative opportunities that support career development and innovation at the same time as strengthening the links between academia and industry to drive innovation and workforce excellence

Professor Fiona Matthews, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research an Enterprise at the University of Hull, said: “Fostering collaboration between education and industry is vital in driving sector-wide growth and sustainability.

“We are thrilled to formalise our partnership with CATCH, an organisation that shares our commitment to developing industry-ready talent and driving forward innovation. This collaboration will provide invaluable opportunities for students, researchers, and industry partners to work together, ensuring that we continue to address the evolving needs of the sector and the region.”

CATCH is a leading industry-led not-for-profit training facility supporting the process, energy, engineering, and renewable sectors. Based in the Humber region it aims to ensure the regional workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for the future.

David Talbot, CEO of CATCH joined Professor Matthews for a signing event at the Enterprise Centre.

Mr Talbot said “This partnership enables us to help and bridge the gap between industry and academia. By combining the University of Hull’s academic capabilities with CATCH’s practical, hands-on approach to training, we are setting a new standard for excellence in industrial training. Together, we can create opportunities for students and industry partners, with the aim of preparing the workforce for the future.”


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CATCH is thrilled to announce that on the evening of the 11th March, at a glittering awards ceremony in Liverpool, they became the 2025  Training Provider of the Year!

The Apprenticeship and Training Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of employers and training providers across the UK, recognising their vital role in developing a skilled and diverse workforce.

Director of Education and Training, Paul Robinson, said, “We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious national award. This award celebrates our journey and commitment to providing first-class industrial training for all. From our engagement with schools and the community to our relationships with employers and investors, to delivering our premium apprenticeships and adult skills in our real-world environment – we are proud to contribute to the development of skilled professionals in the renewable, energy, process and engineering industries. We have built a thriving local skills eco-system to be proud of”.

Under the leadership of CEO, David Talbot, CATCH has set a benchmark in delivering high-quality, industry-led apprenticeship programs that not only meet but exceed industry standards. The award reflects the organisation’s dedication to creating a learning environment that equips apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving sector.

“This national award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at CATCH,” said David. “We are committed to providing exceptional training experiences that prepare our apprentices and adult learners for the industry of tomorrow. We’re not just teaching skills; we’re building the foundation for careers that will shape the future of our industries”

Industry and place-led, CATCH is different, all courses are taught by ex-industry tutors coupled with hands-on training, delivered in state-of-the-art facilities. This approach ensures that all apprentices receive an education that is both comprehensive and directly applicable to real-world scenarios.

Over the past year, CATCH has expanded its facilities, with the support of Viking CCS members Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, Drax and ABP together with Air Products, Uniper, the ECITB and Humber Freeport, with the opening of the largest welding and pipefitting training facility in the UK. They are continuing their expansion in 2025/2026, with the opening of a new Industrial Decarbonisation Centre and a Renewable Energy Training Centre, reflecting the organisation’s responsiveness to the needs of the industry.

This accolade cements CATCH’s position as a leader in industrial training and development, who is committed to future-proofing the skills of an evolving industry. And, this award, makes the organisation a double award winner! Having previously won the prestigious ECITB Training Provider of the Year award in November 2024.

For more information about CATCH and its programs, please contact info@catchuk.org


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Hulking Humber bank process plants need to clean their operations up. New infrastructure is required at an eye-blinking scale to bring in greener fuels and extract the harmful emissions currently belching out from the sky-piercing stacks, burying them deep below the near North Sea instead.

Net Zero goes well beyond offshore wind here in the second most carbon intensive industrial cluster in Europe. And while polarised policies and pounds in the public’s pockets or funding pots get the headlines on the meandering route to a planet-friendlier future, it is the people it needs to deliver where a real shortfall is seen.

Successful decarbonisation, not de-industrialisation, is the prize the region has in its sights, and the critical mass is as much about the trades as it is the abatement of those fossil fuel fumes. Projects worth upwards of £18 billion are being eyed – jobs in the tens of thousands. Yet mechanical fitters, pipefitters, process engineers, project managers, designers, riggers and site managers are among the most difficult roles to fill, with ECITB research released last week revealing three quarters of employers are already struggling, above the national average.
Looking to solve this part of the equation, while supporting the work to win over hearts and minds about the Humber’s case for hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and further skills investment, is David Talbot. Chief executive at industry training centre Catch, he has just entered his 10th year at the helm of the Stallingborough facility.

When he joined it was a member organisation and landlord to other training providers, with a process unit to simulate with water and donated kit what was happening in closed environments in the near neighbourhood. It started life under the name Humber Chemical Focus, evolving to take the title of the facility, seen as unique to an industry keen to address that age-old skills gap – ever present without the demand now forecast by a project pipeline packed with ambition.

Mr Talbot, a former RAF squadron leader, had been a key figure in the emergence of BAE Systems’ Aircraft Maintenance Academy at Humberside Airport, and headed along the A180 to start the transition from landlord to training organisations, to an organisation training its own.
“The transition happened fairly quickly, Mr Talbot recalled. “In 2017 we set up our own provision with Catch Skills, adult skills provision in regulatory health and safety-type training, and it just took off from there.”
Catch was admitted to the Apprenticeship Register in 2021, and grand plans for the end of the decade we now sit in the midst of began to emerge.

“We, as Catch, delivered the Humber Industrial Cluster Plan – the roadmap to Net Zero – on which we worked with HEY LEP and key employers around the region, who became partners. It saw the carbon capture cluster sequencing projects Viking CCS and Humber Zero come together, and come to us, in what has now become quite a pivotal moment for Catch; to ask what it would take to go from 100 apprentices a year to 1,000.

“That was the headline message. And true to their word, that partnership of the key emitters, coupled with the Viking CCS programme, has led to a £1.2 million investment from industry, and on what we are now starting to work on, £4.5 million funding from Humber Freeport and £300,000 from ECITB, which has led to a whole phased programme that will get us to that 1,000.”

That programme started with a welding hub “something we could achieve quickly” which saw a fabrication workshop refurbished, providing the largest capacity for such training in England, with 79 bays. “It is a real game changer in terms of the regional output for welding, fabrication and pipefitting trades,” Mr Talbot said.

That’s just the start. Catch is now in the middle of a fifth phase of growth since opening in 2006. A new build Renewable Energy Training Centre will support wind turbine technicians, but the mechanical skills on offer will benefit all energy intensive industries on Net Zero journey.
It is with planners for the last plot on the current footprint, with an Industrial Decarbonisation Centre also in planning – a redevelopment of the original administration building to deliver networking, events and conferences, all encouraging the sharing of industry best practice. It will boast a 120-seater capacity theatre-style capability, with collaboration areas. Virtual and augmented reality will complement the hands-on facilities Catch offers.

“It is really exciting, it will help us to support the region to get to Net Zero, through support for inward investment, support for innovation and an expansion of our membership activity to deliver even more,” Mr Talbot said.

The final element is a brand new centre on the greenfield site, adjacent, with ambition to be up and running in 2029. The £60 million National Net Zero Training Centre concept was unveiled in September 2023. “That is the big prize, and there is a lot of work to go in on that one,” Mr Talbot said. “We’re just starting to plan that, and that’s a long-term aim.

“We’ve not stood still here, we can’t. We’ve already seen four phases of growth, and each time we have had a new phase, we have filled it and seen a need to expand further. For me that confirms our model is right.

“The message has been clear for some time. The Humber is the biggest industrial cluster in the UK, some 20 million tonnes of carbon are emitted every year, and we have got something like £20 billion of investment identified. You can’t build that infrastructure, operate it or maintain it, without the workforce. That’s what has been identified.

“We need 20,000 new engineering / construction trades people to build the infrastructure to get us to Net Zero. It is a transient workforce. If we don’t build that workforce now, we can have the best projects in the world, but we won’t be able to build them, and that’s what we’re here to support.”

And here is the dilemma. The Catch 22 perhaps, here in early 2025.

“There are great plans waiting for the green light,” Mr Talbot said, referring to the Humber’s overarching vision document. “A lot of the people we are developing will not work directly for the investing company though. Some will, but many will become part of the contractor workforce. Contractors cannot sign up to move ahead until the emitter has the green light. We are all waiting for the green light, getting that tier of contractors signed up, then we can deliver, but that means we are behind where we need to be. We are trying to pump prime the whole system here with that programme from industry, which is fantastic, but it is difficult and there are challenges.

“Our programme isn’t just about building facilities. We have that engine to deliver new entrants to industry, and not just apprentices. We also need to engage young people, make sure our message is getting out that we have some fantastic jobs, fantastic industries with full careers, that with a great trade behind them are well renumerated. We’re getting that out and have invested in a team to do that.

“There’s also the complexity of delivering an apprenticeship. It makes it difficult. There can be headcount issues, there will always be contractor/client relationship issues, and there is just a lot of red tape around delivery. We have got to look at different ways of solving that and helping employers take on the workforce that is needed.”

Awareness is working. “We are certainly getting enough people applying for our apprenticeships. We have 150 available at the moment, and we are getting 400 to 500 applications for those.” Diversity is increasing too, helped by programmes such as Women into Welding, showcasing potential and role models already out there.

The number of females enrolled across the past three years’ apprenticeships looks set to be eclipsed in the 2025 intake alone. “It has been an incredible period,” Mr Talbot said, buoyed by the recent £1 million ‘green skills’ pledge from Westminster to northern Lincolnshire too.

There’s also May’s regionalisation of adult education budgets to ponder too, with mayoral combined authorities coming to Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire.

“I definitely see devolution as a positive for the region, for this industrial belt around the Humber. We can set our own agenda, and it is important there are a number of cross-over organisations, the likes of Future Humber, Humber Marine & Renewables and critically the Humber Energy Board and Humber Freeport. They are absolutely key, and we will be working together and sharing that agenda. We need to make sure the voice of industry is joined up and heard.”
It isn’t all plain sailing when it comes to political intervention though, as the Budget has proven.

“It is a very difficult environment where you have a cap on what you can sell, yet all your supplier costs and employment costs are going up. It does make it difficult to deliver, and it makes it difficult to have a differentiator. For example, we offer added value courses. Our apprentices go out oven-baked ready to go. We will have delivered working at height and working in confined space training, but all of that eats into that very small margin we have got. It gets harder and harder to deliver because the cap doesn’t increase, and in one of the apprenticeships it has actually reduced. They should all be going up with inflation.”

But the funding was a shot to the arm, as detail is awaited, as the team – grown from 16 to 80 in Mr Talbot’s tenure – look to widen the offering further, embracing supporting trades to those at the forefront of engineering a clean future.
“That was great news,” Mr Talbot said. “It is important to understand what that really means and ensure that is used as efficiently as possible to make sure we do deliver that growth in the energy sector.

“The messaging is great that skills are important to deliver the Net Zero agenda.”

 

Industry insight: James Ward, managing director, F.E.S. (Ex) Ltd.

Electrical, instrumentation and mechanical services contractor specialising in process safety, integrity and compliance – with expertise in explosive atmospheres in industrial settings. Based in North East Lincolnshire.

How I see the skills situation:
The future demand for skilled trades in the electrical and instrumentation industry is set to surge, particularly in regions like the Humber. The ambitious infrastructure projects on the horizon will require a significant influx of skilled professionals, far exceeding the usual annual intake needed to replace the retiring workforce in existing operations and contracting companies.

At F.E.S. (Ex) Ltd, we are enthusiastic about the opportunities this presents. We believe we can contribute to this demand. However, we are also acutely aware of the scale of this and the need for businesses to collaborate more than ever before. Our focus remains on ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry, along with continued investment into our apprentices.
Biggest challenges? Industry perception and competition for talent. Many young people may not see E&I trades as attractive career options compared to other fields. This requires us to actively promote the benefits and opportunities within the industry, highlighting career growth, job stability, and the potential for innovation.

With multiple industries vying for skilled workers, we must offer competitive salaries, benefits, and career development opportunities to attract and retain top talent.
Why is the industry rewarding? The E&I industry spans various sectors, including energy/renewables, manufacturing, construction, and technology. This diversity allows professionals to explore different career paths and specialisations, keeping their work dynamic and engaging.
It is at the forefront of technological advancements too. Working in E&I means being involved with cutting-edge technologies such as automation, smart grids, and renewable energy systems. This constant innovation provides a stimulating work environment and opportunities for continuous learning

With the growing need for infrastructure development and maintenance, the demand for skilled E&I professionals remains high. This translates to job stability and numerous employment opportunities across different regions and industries.

There are also ample opportunities for career advancement within the E&I industry too. Companies like F.E.S. often provide training programmes, certifications, and professional development courses to help employees enhance their skills.

 

Industry insight: Richard Law, director of business development for Technica Ltd and managing director of Technica Measurement.

Multi-discipline engineering design, management and construction provider, specialising in control, functional safety, fiscal metering and flow measurement, headquartered in Grimsby.

How I see the skills situation:
It is widely accepted that the demand for people is going to be a key problem for the industrial and energy clusters across the UK, and the Humber region is no different. The push for a greener future will be underpinned by some of the largest infrastructure construction projects which collectively have not been seen in this country since the Industrial Revolution. Couple the requirement for people involved in the construction of these projects with the need to replace natural outflow of personnel who will still be required to operate and maintain our legacy infrastructure, and it is clear to see that finding the right number of skilled people is a significant problem.

Biggest challenges? Technica and our specialist subsidiary, Technica Measurement, are ideally placed to play a key role in both the development of new projects such as hydrogen networks, carbon capture and other novel Net Zero projects, as well as supporting existing infrastructure both in the Humber and across the UK, but to do so and to realise this, we need to have the people with the right skills.

Through my work as a director of Technica Group and as a board member of the ECITB, it is clear that we need to think differently to address the skills shortage. Recognising the connected nature of some competencies across the industrial sector and making it simpler to transfer from one industry to another, or opening up work-ready programmes to offer training and employment to ex-offenders – and those who have been out of work long term – are ways in which we can do things differently.

We must double down on our efforts to attract young people too. Having met with the ECITB’s Innov8 team, who represent the younger generations within the engineering industry, it is clear today’s school leavers are not going to be attracted simply by the offer of a job. They want to feel engaged, see a clear career path with real opportunity for progression, undertaking meaningful work and gaining rewards which are more than simply salary-related.

The work of regional skills hubs, and specifically at Catch within the Humber, is going to be key to opening up these career routes, ensuring we stand the best possible chance of overcoming this significant hurdle.

Why the industry is so rewarding?
There can be a stigma attached to engineering careers and an incorrect perception that the work is perhaps boring. Coming from an engineering family, I have been around engineers all of my life, but from a career spanning almost 30 years, I can honestly say that no two days have ever been the same and I have had the pleasure to work with a diverse, hardworking and dedicated group of individuals, who have a silent pride in what they do.

There’s real social mobility. Growing up in an ex-mining town in South Yorkshire, I honestly thought that going to university was beyond my reach, but by being accepted onto a formal engineering training scheme, I went on to gain a Bachelors and then a Masters Degree in Engineering, have travelled all over the world and now find myself as a director of a business which plays a critical role in ensuring that we are able to heat our homes, that we have electricity, and that our industry has the energy it needs to keep the UK working. Most importantly, I am not unique, and within the industry and within Technica – from our Group Managing Director to many more of our employees – all entered the profession through formal training schemes.

Fred understands business. Fred understands the challenges, the opportunities, and the sectors that matter most. We provide director-led consultancy and marketing services across all forms of creative communications. Is it time for you to talk to Fred?
Email dave@fredmarketing.co.uk or call 01482 227227.

 


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CATCH hosted the Humber Industrial Decarbonisation Network on February 5th. The group chair Joe Howe, Net Zero Professor at the University of Lincoln, welcomed over 45 members in the room and 46 members and guests online, to this thriving CATCH Network.

Joe introduced our first speaker Olivia Powis, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association. Olivia spoke about the CCSA and its work before explaining the history and support of CCUS in the UK and key developments since the change of government. The UK government, at pace, have been pushing changes, including the appointment of Chris Stark – mission control for clean power, a national wealth fund, launch of GB Energy and associated legislation, launch of NESO, plus they have committed £ 21.7 billion investment over 25 years to the first decarbonisation projects. The CCSA are in the process of preparing a Spring budget submission, urging the government to move forward with the carbon capture in the next industrial clusters. Highlighting opportunities and growth for UK PLC.

The CCSA launched a study in the European parliament in December 2024, that explored the benefits of opening a European-wide storage market, Olivia explained the multiple benefits including a 20% cost saving. REPORT LINK. Next Olivia discussed that supporting the Supply Chain and Skills are a real opportunity for the UK. However, the Government must act now and move forward with projects to enable supply chain and skills industries to have confidence and invest.

Next Joe introduced Amelia Mitchell, Managing Consultant with ERM, who spoke about their new Energy from Waste with CCS: a key pillar for NetZero in the UK report. Amelia explained, CCS is the only technology available to minimise EfW scope 1 emissions and generates valuable Greenhouse Gas Removals for the energy from waste sector.

The report mapped out a pipeline of opportunities for CCS in the UK. Identifying facilities and energy to waste assets across four stages. Deploying this across all stages will require 19 billion of investment – which is just the equipment. However, EfW will contribute 27% of the UK 2035 GGR target. Other benefits include 4800 construction jobs, 9350 permanent green jobs.

Amelia referenced the HICP document and how this supports the wider plans of imports of CO2 for storage to the Humber cluster from across the UK and Europe. And highlighted the importance of non-pipeline transport as 54% of facilities require non-pipeline transport to minimize cost of CCS. Transport methods include shipping at 41% and rail at 20%. These methods are a key enabler for energy from waste sector.

After networking and coffee break, Joe welcomed Tim Roff, United Living. Tim explained the United Living business, who work for UK owners and operators of UK pipeline infrastructure, assets and facilities. Tim explained that United Living are actively engaged in the hydrogen, CCS sectors across UK industrial clusters.

Tim then discussed how United Living are collaborating for skills and knowledge, participating in numerous boards and networks across the UK. Tim also explained how they collaborate for impact in regard to Environmental, Economy and Social impacts.

Next Tim discussed Hyrodgen Pipelines, connecting new produces with users. A first of the kind in the UK industrial clusters. The schemes that they are exploring are new build pipelines of 125km and 90km of pipelines within the HyNet cluster.

Next Tim introduced his colleague, Mike who spoke about CO2 pipelines – connecting emitters to new storage facilities. Mike explained about “Project 1” including enabling works that involve steel cross country pipelines, new build pipelines, re purposing sections to decommissioning assets. Mike discussed the challenges including the length of time of contract negotiations and delayed start of works and skill sets and consenting.

Joe closed the meeting with a reminder of the date for the next meeting – 26th March 2025. For more information, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org


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Joe Howe, Net Zero Humber Professor, University of Lincoln opened the meeting, to an audience of 75 delegates, both in person and online. Joe welcomed sponsors Amentum and thanked them for their support and discussed their journey from Jacobs and their exciting future.

Kelly Aldis, UKRI and Alyssa Fournier, Guidehouse discussed Enabling Net Zero: Progress on deploying CCS to decarbonise UK industrial clusters. Kelly discussed the Industrial decarbonisation challenge that was launched in 2019. The IDC provided £210M in funding via three streams, Deployment projects, Cluster plans and IDRIC. The three IDC projects in the Humber region include – HumberZero, ZeroCarbon Humber and Northern Endurance Partnership. Next, Kelly and Alyssa, they discussed the 9 IDC deployment projects contributions to UK goals. Alyssa walked the group through the challenges including technical, regulatory, permitting, procurement and execution and discussed he four main recommendations to overcome these challenges. The report can be downloaded here – www.ukri.org/publications/enabling-net-zero-progress-on-decarbonising-uk-industrial-clusters/

Next James Todd, Arup, discussed Hydrogen Storage for Net Zero: Unveiling the Underground Potential. James discussed Hydrogens role in long duration energy storage and the challenge, including that storage isn’t quick, easy or cheap. Three areas of store they are looking at include salt caverns, depleted fields, and lined rock. James highlighted that storage is critical to the 2035 energy system. James discussed the IDRIC funded research, including the targets, technologies and the actions and recommendations. With a key message of “get on with it”! https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5804/ldselect/ldsctech/68/68.pdf

After a quick coffee beak, sponsors Paul Hennessey, Amentum discussed the strategic case for Nuclear Derived Hydrogen in meeting the UK’s net zero commitments. Firstly, Paul discussed the launch of their new brand and their core markets including energy transition, cyber-security and infrastructure. Paul then discussed the energy trilemma – energy security, energy sustainability and energy affordability. Nuclear offers a strong alternative to grid, a non-intermittent, secure energy supply, proven low-cost power and net zero technology solution. Paul discussed the current energy mix and additional demand modelling – highlighting the possible capacity gap is 190 GW in grid demand, including electrification and hydrogen. Also stating that 20-35% of the UK’s Energy consumption by 2050 could be hydrogen-based. Policy is now starting to support the alternative to grid for nuclear, with hydrogen entering policy language and head and hydrogen used as official cases in Nuclear road map. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/biggest-expansion-of-nuclear-power-for-70-years-to-create-jobs-reduce-bills-and-strengthen-britains-energy-security

Next, Paul discussed hydrogen production methods, the different types of hydrogen and the role of nuclear heat to produce hydrogen at scale. Along with the different types of reactors approaching commercialisation. Paul also discussed the benefits of nuclear, including increased load factor / capacity (77%) and the efficiency of a nuclear plant used for heat / steam generation – 80%. Therefore, producing a low levelized cost hydrogen of $1.5-3 per/kg. Next, Paul gave the group an update on the world’s first nuclear / hydrogen trial at Heysham Lancaster to prove the cost modelling. Discussed the potential size of the UK Market across the clusters and highlighted that there was a significant Hydrogen demand and therefore a significant energy demand. Paul closed his presentation by discussing the current market and latest project and development news and provided some statistics on what impacts a nuclear derived hydrogen project could deliver, such as 11k jobs, £11bn investment, 33% of regions hydrogen demand!

Our last speaker, Colin Matthews, Causeway discussed the Hidden Clean Energy Giant in Lincolnshire – Potential for Geothermal Energy. Colin gave background on the Causeway Energy company before discussing the energy flow and where energy is lost and can be conserved. Colin then talked about geothermal opportunities in the UK, and the fact that the east coast cluster sits in a key geothermal area. Next Colin highlighted that the key for geothermal is the ability to deliver decarbonisation at a factory level directly underneath the ground and with the flexibility to deliver specifically what an individual factory may need. Colin expanded on the different depths of drilling and the heat available, and the infrastructure required for domestic to commercial to industry, including the cost savings. Colin then discussed the barriers to geothermal deployment including, the business case, technology, capital costs and scalability.

Joe closed the meeting, thanking Amentum for their sponsorship and inviting in-person delegates to stay for lunch!


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