A major £5M Humber Freeport funded industry collaboration space at the CATCH facility in Stallingborough has officially opened, further strengthening the role of CATCH as a hub for industry engagement, skills development and knowledge sharing across the Humber, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire regions.

The facility was formally opened by Simon Green, Chief Executive of Humber Freeport, alongside industry leaders, partners and regional stakeholders.

The centre will provide a hub for industry collaboration, member networks, conferences, education partnerships and skills development linked to emerging sectors such as hydrogen, carbon capture and renewable energy, helping to support new investment and job creation across the Humber industrial cluster.

Originally announced during a ground-breaking ceremony in 2025, the development introduces a modern space including a central atrium, lecture theatre, event and breakout areas, an immersive AR/VR suite, a dedicated member lounge and a new Humber Suite.

The project has been supported by more than £5 million of funding from Humber Freeport through its seed capital fund, alongside £1.8m of private sector investment and forms part of the wider CATCH expansion programme with partners Viking CCS members Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, Drax Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), plus Air Products and Uniper to scale up the training of industrial workers.

Katie Hedges, Chief Strategy Officer, said,

“With the support of Humber Freeport, we now have a facility that reflects the scale of ambition across our region.

“Our new centre represents an important investment not only in facilities, but in the strength of our membership community. CATCH was founded by industry for industry, and this space will allow our members to come together to collaborate, share expertise and shape the future of skills and industrial growth in the region”.

Simon Green, Humber Freeport’s CEO, said:

“CATCH’s new facility provides high-quality, modern spaces which will stimulate collaboration and innovation, bringing together industry and academia for the benefit of our young people and local communities.

“Through the Freeport’s seed capital fund, we were delighted to support the expansion and celebrate an important milestone in CATCH’s own story and growth.

“CATCH’s commitment to skills development, including being home to the UK’s largest welding training facility, is critical to our region’s economic prosperity and ensuring the Humber has a future workforce properly equipped with the right expertise.”

Paul Fursey, VP, UK Lead Executive, Humber Refinery said:

“The new collaboration space at CATCH is an exciting next step in this development, creating a safe and inspiring environment for apprentices to learn, grow, and collaborate while ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent to fuel the region.”

“The Humber is at the heart of energy and security resilience, and one way we can support this is by investing in future talent and creating opportunities necessary for them to thrive. By fostering an environment where skills are honed and innovation is encouraged, we ensure the region’s continued growth and contribution to the energy sector’s stability and advancement.”

Graeme Davies, EVP CCS Harbour Energy said:

“The opening of CATCH’s new centre represents an important investment in skills development and knowledge sharing across the Humber. CATCH plays a vital role in bringing industry together and helping ensure the skills and capabilities needed to deliver projects like Viking CCS are in place. Collaboration like this is essential to building a skilled workforce that can support the region’s industrial future.”

On Monday 9th February 2026, four apprentices from Stallingborough based training provider CATCH attended a National Apprenticeship Week reception at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, after writing directly to him about the value of apprenticeships and skills training in supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions.

Emily Hasthorpe, now a second-year Process Operations apprentice, employed by Lenzing in North Lincolnshire, wrote to the Prime Minister on behalf of CATCH and the wider apprenticeship cohort. Her letter highlighted the importance of high quality, employer led apprenticeships, hands on technical skills, and sustained investment in training to secure the future workforce.

In response, Emily and three fellow apprentices: Harry Hooton, welding apprentice and world skills finalist, employed by Blackrow, Shayden Rodgers, pipe welder employed by GE Vernova and Madeleine Cartwright, electrical apprentice employed by Philips 66 Limited, attended the high profile Opportunities for All: A National Apprenticeship Week Reception hosted by Keir Startmer at 10 Downing Street, celebrating the role apprenticeships play in creating good jobs, supporting industry, and strengthening communities across the UK.

Emily commented, “I am currently in my second year of a process apprenticeship with Lenzing Fibres. During my first year at CATCH, I wrote to the Prime Minister to invite him to visit our site, however I was instead honoured to be invited to Number 10 for National Apprenticeship Week. This provided a valuable opportunity to meet the Prime Minister, engage with representatives from a range of trades and companies, and raise awareness of the work carried out by Lenzing Fibres, as well as my training provider, CATCH. I am extremely grateful to CATCH for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity it has been amazing!”

Lisa Buck, Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at CATCH, said of the visit: “We are incredibly proud of Emily and her fellow apprentices. It is not every day you get to attend a reception at 10 Downing Street and meet the Prime Minister! This invitation recognises not only her confidence but the voice of apprentices across our region who are working hard to build long-term careers in vital industries. Apprenticeships are about providing opportunities for all, developing lifelong skills and valuable hands-on experience and Emily’s letter captured that perfectly.”

Lewis Crowther, Head of Business Development and Marketing, Blackrow said, “We are incredibly proud to see Harry represent both Blackrow and the wider apprenticeship community at such a prestigious event. Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the skilled workforce our industry depends on, and it is great to see that recognised at a national level. Supporting young people into engineering careers is something we are deeply committed to, and opportunities like this show just how far an apprenticeship can take you.”

CATCH is a nationally recognised, industry-led training centre supporting skills development across the energy, process engineering and industrial sectors. The organisation continues to invest heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, supported by strong collaboration with its members and partners. This includes investment from Viking CCS partners Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, Drax Group and Associated British Ports (ABP), alongside Air Products and Uniper, as well as funding from the Humber Freeport and ECITB. Together, this support has enabled the development the CATCH facilities, with further investment underway through a new conference centre due to open in April this year.

The invitation to Downing Street comes during National Apprenticeship Week and underlines the growing recognition of apprentices as key contributors to the UK’s economic future and clean energy transition.

On Wednesday 28^th January 2026 CATCH held the latest meeting of the CATCH Humber Industrial Decarbonisation Network at The Ropewalk, Barton-Upon-Humber.

Chair Joe Howe, Net Zero Professor at University of Lincoln welcomed over 60 delegates both in person and online, before introducing the first speakers, Helen Sisson, Senior External Communications Manager, STEP Fusion and Dr Edward Wright, Senior Energy Advisor, Lincolnshire County Council.

Helen introduced STEP Fusion, and their aim to be the first power plant operating using nuclear fusion as a method of energy production. Helen explained the benefits of the process and how their Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production is a pioneering prototype fusion power plant. By 2040 STEP hope to be providing energy to the grid, using their prototype power plant.  STEP Fusion is supported by the government in its current stages, with an aim to bring around 6,500 Construction Roles and 13,000 Operational Roles across the United Kingdom.

Dr. Edward Wright then discussed the Trent Supercluster, in particular the West Burton Power Station where STEP Fusion will be operating. The Trent Supercluster not only operates as an anchor for energy and economic growth within the region, with 3 large scale power production facilities, including the site as West Burton, but also as a collaborative between government and industry across the East Midlands, Greater Lincolnshire and increasingly South Yorkshire regions, with local businesses being continually supported and raising aspirations throughout the regions as the project continues.

After taking questions from delegates, the meeting next heard from Antony Miller, Commercial Lead – Hydrogen, Equinor, about the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline Project. Antony began by explaining how the Humber Region is the best location to be able to kickstart the H₂ Economy and deliver H₂P in both the short and long term, due to extensive skills and experience across the region, access to green energy and power plants that could be converted to operate on hydrogen, as well as suitable geology and geography within the Humber Region.

The Humber Hydrogen Pipeline is looking to connect Aldbrough Hydrogen Store to terminals at Easington and Saltend Chemical Park, the South Bank and potentially beyond to Keadby, all locations which have the capability for production of both Blue and Green H₂, as well as H₂P and H₂ Users. The Humber Hydrogen Pathway is hoping to be selected as the preferred H₂ Network in Early 2027, becoming a scalable pathway to the National Hydrogen Economy, starting regionally within the Humber.

The group then heard from Arjan Geveke, Director, Energy Intensive Users Group, whose members include some of the most energy intensive users in the United Kingdom, including the Steel Industry, British Glass and Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI).

The Energy Intensives Users Group have several focus areas, including the interaction between the Carbon Leakage Mitigation Policies and Review of the Relief Schemes for certain Energy Intensive Industries. Arjan also discussed the about ensuring the security of Energy Supply, before finishing by discussing how Energy Intensive User Group are looking to assist in influencing the Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Policies.

Arjan took questions from the group before a brief coffee and networking break.

Following the break, the group heard from Georgiana Muscula, Hydrogen Project Specialist, Cadent Gas, who presented to the group on Cadent’s Low Carbon Conversion of Non-Domestic Properties Project. Cadent’s aim is the generate holistic evidence to assist and inform with future policy and regulatory frameworks for non-domestic decarbonisation. They are doing this by visiting a variety of businesses and conducting site surveys.  There is still time to partake in Cadent’s Project, and more details can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7419317843810484224

The final speaker for the network was Debbie Baker, Clean Energy and Public Affairs Consultant, who spoke on behalf of The Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Skills Accelerator. Debbie began by indicating the jobs forecast for Hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage, acknowledging where the skills challenges are.

The Hydrogen and Carbon Capture Skills Accelerator have been approved to operate pilot programmes in the North and South West Regions in order to support the skills gap present in both Hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage.

The skills plan has recognised significant issues, including uncertainty in the demand for skills, and a lack of clarity surrounding what the roles will look like within industry. There is also a lack of provider capacity to be able to deliver specific hydrogen training, so the Skills Accelerator is looking to not only bridge the skills gap in their pilot regions, but also work with SIAS to develop Level 2 and/or Level 3 Hydrogen and CCS Qualifications, and are aiming to ensure that careers utilising hydrogen and carbon capture are well understood.

The session closed with Joe thanking all in attendance, and a networking lunch for all in-person attendees followed.

The next meeting of the CATCH Industrial Decarbonisation Network will be held on Wednesday 25^th March 2026, and will be held at Aura Innovation Centre, Hessle, Hull.  This meeting is sponsored by the Northern Endurance Partnership.

For more information about our networks and CATCH Membership, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

CATCH has been recognised in the UK Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan as a leading example of how industry and education can work together to create the skilled workforce needed for the clean energy future.

Based in stallingborough, Grimsby, CATCH already operates as the new “Technical Excellence College” model, training people for real industrial careers. The triple-award winning organisation delivers apprenticeships and training in 11 of the identified priority occupations, students are supported by tutors who bring years of experience from working in industry. Its facilities are designed to feel like real industrial workplaces, giving learners hands-on experience that prepares them for their future careers. The organisation also leads the way in inclusion, running Women in Engineering initiatives, Equality Diversity, Inclusivity and Belonging network, and a dedicated outreach team connecting schools and communities with opportunities in the industrial sectors.

David Talbot, CATCH CEO, said, “Our strength lies in our deep routed industrial connections, with investors, local councils, government and employers across the region. Our offer spans the full talent pipeline, from pre-apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps through to Level 4 HNC programmes which will be delivered from September 2026, ensuring opportunities for learners at every stage. It also supports the existing and transitioning workforce through short courses for upskilling and reskilling, aligned with the region’s industrial needs including, Local Skills Improvement Plans and working with the Office for Clean Energy Jobs Training Guarantee, and the national clean energy skills pilot”.

The Government’s report describes CATCH as “an employer-led training provider, co-funded by industry and government, supporting reskilling in hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and process operation.”

Download details of how we align with the clean energy jobs plan here.

CATCH is delighted to announce the appointment of Jacqueline Gray, as Director of Business Development and Partnerships. In this newly created role, Jacqueline will oversee new opportunities across all service areas, including apprenticeships, commercial training, and membership services.

David Talbot, CEO CATCH said, “We are very excited to be welcoming Jacqueline to the team in mid-November, she brings a strong track record of strategic leadership with a focus on growth and client engagement, which aligns perfectly with the requirements of this new role. We are confident that Jacqueline will drive significant growth and success across our business”.

Jacqueline will drive CATCH’s growth agenda by leading regional and national partnerships, developing new commercial opportunities, and supporting the organisation’s mission to support members clean power ambitions, innovation, and skills development across our region and beyond.

Jacqueline said: After an incredibly rewarding decade at the University of Lincoln, this next chapter feels both exciting and purposeful. CATCH plays a vital role in shaping the Humber and Greater Lincolnshire’s industrial future, driving decarbonisation, innovation, and skills development across energy-intensive sectors. Its vision for a cleaner, more connected, and competitive industrial economy truly resonates with me, and I’m honoured to be joining the team at such a pivotal time for UK industry.

Over the past ten years, I’ve been privileged to work with exceptional colleagues and partners on projects such as the Bridge, IDRIC, Freeport collaborations, and many others focused on regional growth and Net Zero innovation. Those experiences have shaped my approach to partnership, purpose, and people, all of which I’ll carry proudly into this new role.

A heartfelt thank you to all who’ve supported, encouraged, and collaborated with me along the way. Here’s to the next chapter, collaboration, growth, and making a lasting difference together”.

Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for CATCH as the organisation continues to expand its influence across the region.

British Steel today announced a new partnership with leading training provider CATCH as it prepares to welcome dozens of new apprentices into its business.

The UK’s only primary steelmaker is taking on its first apprentices for 3 years including 36 in engineering and technical roles in Scunthorpe.

Training for these successful candidates will be delivered by expert tutors from CATCH and follow a flexible delivery model, so the apprentices learn their trades both on-site at British Steel and at the Stallingborough-based CATCH facility.

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.

British Steel HR Director Nick Ashton said: “CATCH has an outstanding reputation, and we’re delighted our new apprentices – our next generation of engineers and technical experts – will benefit from this exciting new partnership.

“We’ve been working closely with CATCH to ensure the best possible training experience, with a blend of technical knowledge and practical hands-on skills.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our new apprentices who will play an important role in our drive towards sustainable steelmaking.”

British Steel’s new engineering and technical apprentices for Scunthorpe will join the business in September and, over the course of their 3-year programmes, work towards a National Apprenticeship while earning a competitive salary.

Nick said: “Many of our senior leaders joined as apprentices and our new recruits will have a superb opportunity to follow in their footsteps and build the foundations for a hugely rewarding career with British Steel.”

Paul Robinson, Director of Education and Training at CATCH, said: “British Steel has a proud legacy and the people that work there have a deep-rooted sense of belonging, these values closely align with our own at CATCH.

“We are extremely proud to be working in partnership with the team and to support the development of their future workforce. Together, we will provide a high-quality apprenticeship programme that blends technical expertise with practical, hands-on training, giving apprentices the tools they need to thrive in their new careers.

“We look forward to a long partnership and to playing a key role in British Steel’s journey as they continue to invest in place, people, skills, and their community.”

British Steel is recruiting a total of 58 apprentices this year. In addition to the 36 engineering and technical apprenticeships in Scunthorpe, 6 functional roles have been created at its headquarters, 14 positions at its operations on Teesside and Skinningrove, and 2 roles at its R&D facility in Sheffield.

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.

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.”

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

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.