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.”