The CATCH approach to training has always been “real world” meaning when you train at CATCH as an apprentice or an adult learner, we will replicate industrial practices as closely and safely as we can.

Our apprentices based in Stallingborough, are with us full-time for the first year of their apprenticeship, before heading into their respective companies, supported by a CATCH assessor. This first year of training cumulates with a real shut-down of the CATCH facility, in the last week of their full-time training.

The performance of our 2023-2024 cohort has been exceptional.

Using a permit and authorisation system, the EC&I apprentices have serviced, maintained and repaired every panel, motor and instrument on the tank farm and in the reactor building!

Some genuine faults were found such as:

• Phasing motors
• Burst diaphragms on pressure sensors
• Non-working panel isolators
• Incorrect overload values (on every motor)
• Snapped wires on field bus connections
• Inaccurate calibrations on many instruments

Our process apprentices helped prepare and isolate the plant to be ready for shutdown. They assisted in deisolation and starting the plant to test and run the processes to ensure it all functioned and operated correctly.

Our mechanical apprentices stripped down and repaired pumps and then reinstalled and laser aligned the pumps using techniques they had learnt in the classroom in a real-life situation. They also stripped down flanges and renewed gaskets and seals on pipes and valves where leaks had been reported on the plant. Next, they tested what they had done to ensure all ran correctly.

In each case, the apprentices applied themselves to the work required and made real improvements to the plant and its operation. Many of our apprentices stated how much they enjoyed the shutdown week and wanted to prolong the experience.

Thank you to all our tutors and support staff who made the shutdown such a fantastic experience for our learners.

In 2023, Grimsby Community Energy (GCE) successfully raised £270,000 from a mix of large and small investors. These funds were used to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on two sites: CATCH, where 308kW of solar panels were installed across three buildings (over 700 panels in total), and YMCA Humber’s 1 Orwell Street, which received a 30kW solar installation. This initiative allows CATCH to benefit from affordable, clean electricity provided by GCE whenever the sun is shining, helping them advance their decarbonisation plans without any upfront cost and saving money.

Building on this success, GCE has launched their latest community share offer in 2024. Full details are available on their website. The offer is open to anyone over the age of 16, as well as businesses, which will receive public thanks on GCE’s LinkedIn and other social media platforms. The target interest rate for investors is 5%. The first project under this new offer is scheduled for October, aiming to install an additional 161kW of solar PV on two buildings at CATCH.

GCE is a community benefit society registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. Since 2016, they have been supporting local decarbonisation efforts. They own and operate solar PV systems on ten community buildings, helping organisations like E-Factor, St Andrews Hospice, and the Rock Foundation to reduce costs and carbon emissions.

Dr. Vicky Dunn, Managing Director of GCE, said, “If you care about cutting carbon emissions and want to be part of a community effort to achieve great things, consider becoming a member of Grimsby Community Energy. It’s a great local, ethical investment – our 110 members can keep in touch with the good things they have helped to fund and see the projects when they travel about town.”

Paul Snowden, Head of Operations, added, “The Grimsby Community Energy Group is a fantastic organisation for companies looking to start or continue their sustainability journey. We have benefited from their expertise and investment on-site and are very grateful for all the support. So far this year, we have generated 174 MWh, saving 33,630.35 kg of CO2 emissions. We are delighted to embark on our second project with them to install solar PV on our Scaffolding and Welding and Pipefitting Hub buildings.”

For more information on how to invest, please visit the Grimsby Community Energy website – https://grimsbycommunityenergy.coop/

Eastern Airways welcomed the new Director of Education and Training at CATCH to discover how Eastern Airways could enhance student and apprentices’ industry experience.

CATCH, based in Stallingborough, is a leader in engineering skills, apprenticeships and competency, driven by industry members within Northern Lincolnshire and further afield.

As a key aviation and engineering employer in Lincolnshire, Eastern Airways, headquartered at Humberside Airport, is looking to inspire the next generation to explore opportunities in the sector.

Operating domestic, international and private charter flights to thousands of passengers a year; Eastern Airways’ recent route expansion in partnership with KLM has facilitated a recruitment drive to support its growth; engaging with new talent from Further Education providers forms part of this strategy.

Head of Training and Education, Paul Robinson, was offered a bespoke tour around Eastern Airways’ facilities by Head of Brand and Marketing Emma Turner and Commercial Director Roger Hage.

Emma Turner said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to engage with CATCH and welcome Paul on site to explore the opportunities that exist within Eastern Airways for both staff and students, specifically focusing on how we could work in partnership to develop engaging STEM activities linking to CATCH’s existing provision.”

Roger Hage, adds: “We welcome the opportunity to showcase the business to education providers in all of our regions, as we feel we have some amazing complementary industry experiences to offer to both staff and students to support their industry CPD and develop the employability skills of those hoping to enter the industry in the future.”

Paul Robinson,  said: “I was honoured to be invited in to be shown around their operations and discuss training. It’s an asset to the area having Eastern Airways on our doorstep and to gain an insight into the aviation industry training requirements”.

This is the first of a series of visits to Eastern Airways over the summer from education providers in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, to support development of a new talent network from September 2024 to put Eastern Airways on the map and support new talent into the industry.

CATCH hosted their Major Hazards Group on 17 July which focused on the topic of cyber security.  The group chair, Dan Rawdin from SSE, welcomed over 25 delegates who joined in person and via teams.

The first speaker was Paulo Oliveira, Director of Consulting – DEKRA Organisational & Process Safety, who gave a presentation on how safe and secure systems are at the centre of integrity in operations.  Paulo highlighted the importance of understanding the risks and how we can design systems that are safe and secure.  The challenges include how functional safety guidance and approach is different to how cyber security professionals look at the situation.  Paulo explored how we can establish a framework to look at the problem together, and avoid starting from different points, using different guidance.  It is important to open dialogue and keep sharing learning as the sector progresses and matures.  The group discussed how HAZOPs, for example, will one day include cyber security specialists, but this competency needs to develop and grow over time.

After a break, Andy Scott from SSE gave a site operators experience of maintaining industrial control systems against compromise from cyber-attack.  Andy highlighted the regulatory framework that SSE are operating in including HSE and DESNZ.  The sector has moved on from the domain of a C&I engineer into security and cyber security.  Andy shared some of the most recent cyber attacks and the impact they’d had and shared lessons learned from these, including Stuxnet virus, TRITON Malware, SolarWinds.

Andy described the common characteristics of an attack and how to manage an attack framework to include corporate infrastructure, Distributed Control System(s), SCADA, Protection System(s) & Intelligent end devices.  Andy went on to describe how to implement a defence in more depth to include multiple layers of protection, some procedural, some behavioural and some technological.  Working with suppliers is becoming increasingly important to avoid weaknesses and the supplier landscape is under more scrutiny from regulators.

Paulo and Andy took questions.

The next Major Hazards Group meeting will be held at CATCH on 14 November.  For more information about CATCH network groups please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org

CATCH is pleased to acknowledge the contributions of Richard Stansfield, CEO, Singleton Birch, who chaired his final board meeting on 21 June 24, marking the end of a 7-year tenure on the Board with 4 years as Chair.

Richard’s steadfast support and leadership have been instrumental in positioning CATCH for its forthcoming expansion projects. During his time on the Board, Richard oversaw several milestones, including stewardship throughout the challenging COVID-19 period, the development of CATCH Apprenticeships, the launch of the Welding and Pipefitting Hub, and the key regional programme of the Humber Industrial Cluster Plan Project

David Talbot, CEO of CATCH, expressed his gratitude: “From a personal perspective, I would like to thank Richard for his sage counsel and unwavering support to CATCH over the past 7 years, and longer as a Member of CATCH. His contributions have been invaluable in the development of CATCH and in preparing us for the next stage in our evolution, and I wish him all the best for the future in his retirement.”

The CATCH Board comprises 25 Member organisations representing public and private sectors and academia. For further information, please visit www.catchuk.org.

CATCH held their Human Factors Network on 19 June.  The focus for the session was Shift Management with Julie Bell from Human Factors Expertise Ltd and Rob Crossman and James Lloyd Davies from Optashift.  Chris Marron from Yara chaired the meeting which was attended by 25 delegates online and in person.

Adam Goodman from P66 kicked off the session with a Human Factors safety moment on safety critical communication.

Rob highlighted why shift work matters, it is critical to business performance, cuting across most departments and can be subject to changing external factors.  Julie explored the legal duty of employers to manage risks posed by shift working arrangements and the impact of fatigue on shift working and overtime.  James, Rob and Julie reviewed the 5 areas of focus underpinned by guidance on Human Factors and how active controls can be established to manage fatigue and avoid ‘overtime heroes’.  The five areas are:

1. Assessment
2. Policy
3. Solutions
4. Monitoring
5. Guidance

Rob described a range of design options for shift patterns and how these work in different environments and the impact of hourly patterns on fatigue.  James gave examples of different tracking/monitoring systems including wearable monitors to help manage shiftwork and overtime hours, less passive systems are being deployed alongside actions such as encouraging workers to look after each other too.  ESG (environmental & social governance) aspects are becoming increasingly important to ensure the experience of staff on shifts matches business ESG stated ambitions.

Julie, Rob & James took questions and comments from the group.

The next meeting will be held at CATCH on 23 October.  For more information about the range of CATCH networks and events please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org

CATCH is proud to announce that we have been awarded the contract to deliver the technical certificate of the JTL Electrical Installation apprenticeship in the South Humber region. This significant achievement underscores our commitment to addressing the skills gap in the engineering construction industry and supporting the transition to a net zero future.

JTL is one of the largest work-based learning providers in England and Wales, working with over 3,800 businesses and training almost 9,000 apprentices in the building services engineering sector. JTL were looking for a partner in the South Humber region due to a lack of available local provision. This contract will see 18 learners start at CATCH in September for a day release programme with the rest of their time being spent with a sponsoring employer in industry.

James McIntosh, Chief Commercial Officer at CATCH, commented: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to deliver the Technical Certificate as part of the JTL programme. This opportunity allows us to make a substantial impact on the engineering construction industry by training new entrants who will play a crucial role in achieving our industries net zero ambitions. Our dedicated team is committed to providing high-quality training that meets the needs of both apprentices and employers in the Humber region.”

The JTL Electrical Installation apprenticeship is designed to provide apprentices with a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and the latest industry standards. It includes a spectrum of sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, reflecting the skills needed for the UK’s transition to net zero. Through hands-on training and theoretical instruction, apprentices will gain the competencies needed to thrive in their careers and contribute to the region’s economic and environmental goals. It is one of six ‘gold standard’ apprenticeships that were awarded the Coronation Emblem in 2023 because it contributes to a low carbon economy and helps to build a workforce that is equipped with the skills needed for a green future.

As part of our commitment to excellence, CATCH will leverage its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors to deliver a training program that is both rigorous and supportive. We believe that by investing in the education and development of future electricians, we are not only addressing current industry needs but also laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.

If you are an employer and would like to consider recruiting a JTL Electrical Installation apprentice, please contact stuartmiller@jtltraining.com or eve.mcintosh@catchuk.org

CATCH is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Robinson as the new Director of Education and Training. In this newly created role, Paul will oversee the delivery and implementation of skills and apprenticeship programs, furthering CATCH’s commitment to industrial skills.

With an impressive background in education and development, Paul brings a wealth of experience and a passion for learning. His vision will be instrumental in evolving CATCH’s provision and creating pathways for learners to achieve their career goals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul to our team,” said David Talbot, CEO CATCH. “Paul’s expertise and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our mission to train not only new entrants to industry, but also to upskill those that are already making a difference. We are confident that Paul will drive significant growth and success in our skills and apprenticeship programs.”

Paul will lead a dynamic team of tutors and industry professionals, focusing on pathway development, partnerships with employers, and ensuring that programs are aligned with current industry needs. He will also play a crucial role in expanding access to training opportunities, supporting learners from diverse backgrounds, and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce.

 Paul Robinson, Director of Education and Training commented, “I am thrilled to be joining CATCH as the new Director of Education and Training. As the industry continues its journey towards achieving net zero and closing the skills gap, I am honoured to be part of its future and look forward to working within the CATCH team and collaboratively with employers to maximise the positive impact across the sector.  It’s an exciting time and CATCH is pivotal in the journey ahead”.

 Catch continues to lead the way in providing high-quality education and training solutions. With the addition of Paul the organisation is poised to further its impact and help more individuals achieve their goals.

For more information about Catch and its programs, please visit www.catchuk.org

The Humber Environmental Managers Conference was held at CATCH on 5^th June as part of Humber BizWeek.  Martin Jones, the group’s chairman from Yara, welcomed over 50 delegates, in person and via Teams, drawn from the CATCH network and guests.  Matthew Sanders, Senior Ecologist from Arup introduced Biodiversity Net Gain providing an overview of the requirements under the Environment Act, how BNG is measured, high-level summary of how the metric works, implications for development.  Matthew then shared valuable experience from current projects, challenges faced such as trading rules, irreplaceable habitats, competing site demands, value of delivering nature for local communities and how partnership working can help.  Matthew took questions.

After a short break, Tammy Smalley, Head of Conservation at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, gave an update on Green Investment in Greater Lincolnshire and explored how the volume of new projects proposed in the region, including National Significant Infrastructure Projects, offer an opportunity to collaborate and improve on biodiversity impacts collectively.  GIGL offers a streamlined approach to meeting BNG obligations with a team of skilled experts, contact gigl@lincstrust.co.uk.

Next up, Andrew Taylor, Natural Environment Policy Specialist, North Lincolnshire Council gave a presentation on Humber Forest & creating woodland at industrial sites.  The ambition to plant 250,000 trees in North Lincolnshire can be tracked on the website https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/trees-and-hedges/

CATCH would like to thank Humber Nature Partnership and Humber BizWeek for their support over many years for this annual conference.

For more information about CATCH network groups and how to become a member please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org

For more information about Humber Nature Partnership please get in touch with jackson.sage@humbernature.co.uk

CATCH are delighted to announce that in September 2024, there will be a cohort of 12 ECITB Scholars being trained at the centre on a pipefitting pathway.

The launch of the new provision is part of the Humber Skills Plan, with an intent to increase the number of new entrants to industry from 100 to 1000 per year. This Summer will see a significant investment in the CATCH Welding & Pipefitting Hub to increase capacity from 28 welding, pipefitting and plating bays to 70, which will open up opportunities to vastly increase the number of learners across all education and training pathways who can access a direct route to industry.

The Scholarship programme is aimed at 16-19 year olds and is funded through ECITB, it is delivered 3 days per week over a 37 week period.

The programme includes;

• ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Supporting the Installation of Engineering Construction Plant and Systems (RQF), Pipefitting Pathway
• ECITB Clean Energy Technologies
• ECITB Behavioural Based Safety
• ECITB Digital Passport
• ECITB Pre-employment Programme which includes
  • CCNSG Safety Passport
  • Working safely with hand tools, power tools and equipment
  • Manual Handling
  • Low risk confined spaces
  • Working at heights
  • Abrasive Wheels

Scholars who complete the programme will have the foundation skills to move into apprenticeships in industry or as direct site hires. There will be a weekly training allowance paid by the ECITB during term time to support candidates on this programme. CATCH will be working closely with employers as part of the programme to facilitate employer engagement opportunities, work placements and work experience.

James McIntosh, Chief Commercial Officer at CATCH said “To become the provider of choice in the Humber for the ECITB Scholarship programme is a real privilege. This programme will create a pathway for an additional 12 learners to gain an opportunity to come into an industry that is crying out for more skilled individuals. It is estimated that the Humber region needs an additional 1700 pipefitters to deliver net zero transition, so programmes such as the Scholarship can complement apprenticeships and other upskilling and reskilling programmes to create more new entrant opportunities.”