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!

A Humber-based skills and apprenticeship centre is celebrating after winning the ECITB Training Organisation of the Year accolade at the 12^th annual ECI Training and Development Awards last night in London.

CATCH, which is based in Stallingborough, near Grimsby, on the south Humber bank, received the award at a prestigious ceremony to honour the very best of engineering construction talent in the UK.

The event, organised by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), brought together industry leaders, as well as the rising stars of tomorrow, for a celebration of excellence in training and development. Held at One Marylebone, an iconic Grade I listed building in the heart of the capital, the event was hosted by Chair of the ECITB Innov8 Group Chinwe Odili, a STEM champion and award-winning structural engineer from Kent plc.

CATCH, which works with industry and stakeholders to develop in-demand regional industrial skills, scooped the award for showing excellence in the delivery of ECITB-approved training, products and services as part of its Welding and Pipefitting Hub.

Judges recognised the organisation for delivering industry-leading training through expert instructors, advanced facilities and industry-aligned curricula. The nomination also highlighted how CATCH is helping bridge skills gaps, enhancing safety and efficiency, driving industry growth and producing highly competent tradespeople.

Joel Broddle, Head of the Welding, Pipefitting and Fabrication Hub at CATCH, said: “It feels overwhelming to be recognised like this. Being given the autonomy to do what we do, for the good of the industry, has been a big thing for our team in the Hub.

“Being an apprentice 20 years ago myself through an ECITB programme, which is the same for a lot of the trainers that I’ve got with me now, we see the skills gap and it’s nice that local companies are supporting CATCH on that journey, as well as the ECITB.

“I know internally what we do really well and I can shout about it all I want, but to be recognised nationally will go a huge way to increase the number of apprentices that come through and close that skills gap. So it’s onwards and upwards for us at CATCH.”

Recognising success stories in engineering construction

The ceremony recognised standout individuals, companies and training providers as awards were presented to winners across nine categories at what is now an established highlight in the engineering construction industry’s (ECI) calendar. The judging panel for the awards was made up of Mark Fotheringham from Infinity Engineering, Tracey Shelley from BCECA and John Webster from Applus UK, who picked the overall winners based on the significant contributions they have made both to the ECI and their own organisations. The theme of the awards was change and, in opening the event, ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey spoke of the new Government’s commitment to skills and how the industry is changing as it plays its part in realising the country’s net zero goals.

He said: “The ECITB, as the industry’s employer-led training board, stands at the heart of these changes to support the skills needs of the workforce.

“With our collective desire, endeavour and expertise, exemplified by the exceptional talent gathered at the awards, we can tackle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities to ensure our industry is well-placed for the future.

“The standard of nominees this year was again incredibly high, showcasing the great things happening in training and development across the industry.

“I would like to thank our judges and congratulate all the winners and finalists who are great examples of excellence in our industry.”

Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair of the ECITB Board, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone honoured and thank our generous sponsors who made the evening possible.

“The event is an opportunity to celebrate the best of the best within our industry. The individuals and organisations nominated exemplify the talent, innovation and endeavour that our industry needs.

“They remind us to continuously strive to raise the bar for excellence in training and development. And in this ever-evolving world, the importance of their contributions is clearer than ever.”

As well as each category being sponsored, the drinks and entertainment were sponsored by Bechtel and Kingsfield Academy respectively, while the dinner was sponsored by Hinkley Point C.

Philippa Burt, HR Director at Hinkley Point C, said: “Hinkley Point C is a catalyst for long-term growth in the engineering construction industry and will leave a legacy of a more skilled and productive workforce that gives the region, and the wider UK, a competitive edge as it delivers the UK’s ambitions for energy security and net zero.

“The huge team involved in building the power station understand the critical importance of training and development and we are delighted to play a small part in shining a spotlight on the outstanding work taking place in the sector by attendees at the awards.”

ECI Training & Development Awards 2024: Winners and finalists

Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by the National College for Nuclear

Winner: Lewis White (The Herne Group)

Finalists: Lucy Jarvis (Sellafield Ltd), Harvey Bennett (CATCH / TEI)

Graduate of the Year Award – sponsored by BCECA

Winner: Toby Highstead (Amentum, formerly Jacobs CMS)

Finalists: Harry Venn (WSP), Jasmine Sagoo (AtkinsRéalis)

The ECITB New Entrant Award – sponsored by Wright Brothers Industrial Services Limited  

Winner: Monika Czyz-Grzesik (Cavendish Nuclear, part of the MEH Alliance working at HPC)

Finalists: Paul Alp (Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA) / Altrad), Luke Roberts (Pembrokeshire College / Haven Engineering)

Large Employer of the Year – sponsored by Nuvia

Winner: Wood

Finalists: Applus+ UK Ltd, EDF

Small/Medium Employer of the Year – sponsored by EqualEngineers 

Winner: Wright Brothers Industrial Services Limited

Finalists: A&L Mechanical Installations Ltd, Intelect

ED&I Initiative of the Year – sponsored by NDA

Winner: Fluor Limited

Finalists: Dyer & Butler ENABLE Network, Grief Awareness Community – Cadent Gas Ltd

Training Organisation of the Year – sponsored by GSS Training Limited

Winner: CATCH – Welding and Pipefitting Hub

Finalists: Enermech Ltd, Hydratight Ltd

Leading Industry Safety Award – sponsored by Sellafield Ltd  

Winner: Fluor Limited

Finalists: Hinkley Point C (Part of EDF Energy), Wright Brothers Industrial Services

International Training Organisation of the Year

Winner: Hydratight (Middle East and Caspian)

Finalists and regional winners: International Apprenticeship & Competency Academy Ltd (IACA) (East Africa and Rest of World), PT Petrotekno (Asia Pacific)

Find out more about the ECI Training and Development Awards 2024 at:

https://www.ecitb.org.uk/eci-training-development-awards-2024/

CATCH, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Booth, Assistant Plant Manager at Uniper’s Cottam Development Centre and Killingholme sites, as the new Chair of the Board.

Nick, who was voted in as the new Chair at the June Board meeting following the departure of Richard Stansfield, had his position ratified at the Annual General Meeting in September. He joined the board in September 2022 and has already shown a deep understanding of the business and has supported our emerging work strands.

Alongside Nick, CATCH welcomed four new board Members at the September Meeting, Michael Bartlett from Amentum, Roger Pearce from ABP, Wesley Sugden-Brook of Singleton Birch, and Lesley Potts representing North Lincolnshire Council.

David Talbot said, “On behalf of the board, we are looking forward to continuing to work with Nick in his new capacity as Chair. We welcome his expertise, support, and fresh perspective as we advance our exciting plans to scale up training on site 10-fold over the next 5-years”

“We also welcome to the fold our new board Members, whose expertise and leadership will help guide our journey as region’s leading provider of industry-focused training and apprenticeships”

Nick Booth, said: “CATCH has a fantastic heritage in delivering education and training solutions to meet the needs of the regional industry partners, so I’m very pleased to be invited to chair the industry members’ board. I’m looking forward to playing a part in helping foster the ongoing industry collaboration as CATCH shapes its exciting plans to prepare people for the net zero career opportunities of the future.”

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

Over 40 in Person and online guests were welcomed to the CATCH Industrial Decarbonisation Network by our event chair David Talbot, CATCH CEO, which took place at CATCH on the 22^nd October.

David introduced Catherine Spriggs, Net Zero Programme Manager, HSE, who opened the meeting talking about the Health & Safety Executive Net Zero Programme & Priorities. Catherine discussed the HSE role in the net zero journey, particularly where there are safety challenges and how the industry will look in the future. Catherine explained the HSE structure and how they are responsible for their own policies – the functions that are within the Net Zero sphere include, Science, Policy and Regulation.

Catherine then discussed new industries, growing industries, changing industries and legacy industries and how the HSE will be supporting and regulating these four areas.

Catherine then discussed some current challenges including, significant industrial development plans, including large scale hydrogen and CO2  pipeline transport in the UK.  She highlighted Engineers as key roles in projects development, from understanding the regulations to the design process, to advising clients and working across the industry.  Then advised on specific technical safety challenges in CCS, Hydrogen and Pressure Systems.

After questions, Tom Glyn-Jones, Senior Advisor (Decarbonisation & Net Zero) Climate Change & Energy Programme, Environment Agency, covered their role in enabling UK net zero and invited companies to reach out with any questions. Tom started by discussing the EA climate ambition, including regulating to drive down greenhouse gas emissions, regulating carbon markets, creating a circular economy, and working to advise on land use and sustainable development.

Tom told the group the EA’s role is Permitting and Regulation for air, land and water, the planning process, sustainable development to enable UK Net Zero and the UKs Emission trading scheme. And then discussed more specifically the EA’s role in Hydrogen and carbon capture use and storage, including support and guidance on water, air quality and flood risk. Next Tom covered planning for CO2 pipelines and that the EA is a consultee providing regulatory oversight and ensuring low carbon technologies and projects are part of UK ETS. The HCCUS programme that has been set up by the EA, includes collaboration with government and key stakeholders using a scientific evidence base approach. Making sure they have the correct teams with expertise to manage permitting and regulation across the industrial clusters.

Tom explained that from Feb 2026, there will be a new mandate for Decarbonisation readiness for power generation and a consultation on EPR Permits will take place in 2025. Tom provided and an update on the DESNZ project on Environmental Capacity Challenges in industrial clusters including an update on water availability and quality and air quality –https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-capacity-for-industrial-clusters

Plus a further update on their digital twin technology project – the report can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-capacity-for-industrial-clusters

After the networking coffee break, Nick Rothwell, Head of Carbon at Cory, took the group through their Carbon Capture & Shipping Solution – an Energy from Waste case study. Tom shared the history of Cory before moving on to explain their operating footprint and commercial model today. Cory is aiming to be Net Zero by 2040 and they have a four pillar strategy including, Decarbonising Heat, Transport, Waste and Electricity.  Next Tom discussed their riverside campus expansion that will almost double their capacity in 2025.

Tom then discussed Cory’s CCS plans. They will capture CO2 at Riverside one & two, and are partnering with Shell and TEN, this will be transported by ship to the Humber region where it will be received by Viking CCS and stored in the southern North Sea. The biomass is already a part of the waste stream, and by capturing this they will become carbon negative.  Tom then took the group through their carbon capture process and advised they are planning to be UK’s first Liquid Carbon Dioxide Shipping Model and the challenges and opportunities this presents.

Lastly, Torsha Nag, ABB discussed ABB OPTIMAX – Decarbonisation solutions. Torsha explained the challenges in Carbon Capture, including a lot of heat and increased operational costs. Next Torsha discussed the process of Carbon Capture and optimal operation of the process. Torsha explained OPTIMAX, advanced process control, (APC) will  reduce energy costs by 5-10%, plus provide better management of influent disturbances whilst being able to track energy usage and costs via OPTIMAX energy optimisation. This includes a return on investment of less than 1 year.  Torsha is happy to talk to anyone about the specific technology, models and strategies and highlighted that the system is compatible with many automation systems.  To close, Torsha covered OPTIMAX for green hydrogen with the goal of reduced production costs and minimising capex.

Next Meeting – 28^th November 2024 – for booking please contact Lisa.Buck@catchuk.org if you are interested in giving a presentation at a future event please contact Katie.Hedges@catchuk.org

We have collaborated with a number of businesses in the Humber region  to create a video aimed at educating children about the industry’s commitment to a sustainable future. Titled ‘what is decarbonisation?’ the video explains various technologies that will help to transform their region over the coming decades, such as carbon capture, lower carbon hydrogen and biomass, emphasising their crucial roles in helping industries reduce carbon emissions and produce lower-carbon products.

The video also aims to inspire children by showcasing the diverse career opportunities available in the industry, from accountants to engineers, technicians, HR professionals, and more. Decarbonisation projects are expected to create new jobs, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to a robust economy.

The video, created by CATCH, Drax, Equinor, Harbour Energy, Phillips 66, SSE Thermal, and VPI, highlights the importance of collective action among Humber businesses in tackling climate change. By bringing together resources and expertise, these companies are not only advancing their own carbon emission reduction goals but also contributing to a larger movement towards a more sustainable future.

The Humber region presents one of the largest opportunities for industrial decarbonisation, as it is the UK’s largest industrial emitting cluster, making it essential to decarbonise if we are to achieve UK net zero goals.

Katie, Hedges, Director of Membership & Low Carbon Strategy at CATCH said:

Decarbonisation is an opportunity to inspire the next generation. By showcasing the innovative technologies and diverse career paths in our industry, we aim to empower children to envision a sustainable future and their role in it. The Humber region is at the forefront of this transformation, and together, we can achieve our net zero goals while driving economic growth and job creation.

View the video here –  https://youtu.be/hMi6Z9SFvOA

Melanie Onn MP and Martin Vickers MP today opened the new facility at CATCH’s Skills and Apprenticeships Centre. The opening represents a significant milestone in CATCH’s commitment to fostering the green skills needed for the energy transition whilst helping to deliver economic growth locally in the Humber, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire regions.

During the visit, Melanie and Martin met students, tutors and local businesses and reiterated that skills and green jobs are at the forefront of this government’s agenda.

Following the opening, Melanie Onn, the Member of Parliament for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, said: “Investment in green initiatives like this is vital as we work to grow North East Lincolnshire’s economy. It’s great to see so many businesses putting funding into our area, and I look forward to seeing how things progress as the Humber Skills Plan unfolds.

This new facility is really exciting in particular. It will provide so many new opportunities for young people across the region, helping to get more of them into STEM careers.”

The expansion was made possible by a £1.5 million funding investment from sponsors in the region. These include Viking CCS members Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, Drax and ABP together with Air Products, Uniper, the ECITB and Humber Freeport.

CATCH is poised to play a pivotal role in steering more young individuals towards STEM careers, as part of the broader Humber Skills Plan to increase training output by tenfold by 2029. This latest funding initiative has had a substantial impact on its facility:

• More than doubling the entry capacity, CATCH will increase its intake from 100 to approximately 220 apprentices.
• Tripling the welding and grinding bay capacity to 80 bays, which have been identified as critical skill gaps needed to power the UK’s energy transition.
• The facility has already welcomed a new cohort of apprentices this September 2024.

The project is also supporting the local businesses with all contract work executed by local specialists and within their teams, including apprentices from three different trades. The construction was completed in 53 days, amassing over 10,000 hours of work.

Following this first phase of funding, CATCH has an ambitious expansion plan to develop a new £60 million National Net Zero Training Centre by 2029, aiming to deliver education to 1,000 learners a year, targeted at the skills needed by net zero projects. The Centre will fill the skills gaps which exist in sectors such as Carbon Capture and Storage, green steel, gigafactories, and hydrogen.

David Talbot, CATCH CEO, said: “To advance the decarbonisation journey, we urgently need more pipefitters, platers, welders, and fabricators. No single company can do this alone, which is why collaboration has been key in addressing the ever-growing skills gap in these crucial trades. And this collaboration is unprecedented; no other UK cluster has come together to narrow the industrial skills gap so proactively. CATCH has always been at the forefront of industrial skills development, and this is just the beginning.”

Graeme Davies, EVP CCS at Harbour Energy, says: “The UK’s net zero goals will only be realised if we have thousands of skilled workers, from welders and pipefitters to process engineers. CATCH’s Skills and Apprenticeships Centre is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong and prosperous workforce for the future and support leading projects such as Viking CCS. We are very happy to play a leading role in this significant expansion of CATCH, helping to provide the skilled workers the major projects in the region will need in the coming years.”

Paul Fursey, Lead Executive UK and Humber Refinery General Manager says: “To build the infrastructure required to deliver net zero for the UK, we need to invest in creating the skilled workforce of tomorrow. CATCH’s new welding and fabrication training Centre will become a hub of excellence, demonstrating how the UK can increase the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the net zero targets. Through support from Phillips 66 Limited and our fellow delivery sponsors, local industry support, and local schools and colleges, we believe we can make a powerful difference to inspire the next generation of welders, pipefitters, mechanical fitters, platers, scaffolders and much more.”

Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) CEO Andrew Hockey says: “The ECITB was delighted to support CATCH as it continues to develop a pipeline of trained, skilled workers for major engineering construction projects in the Humber region. We know from our Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) that the labour demand gap for new workers in the engineering construction industry will get wider with an estimated shortfall of 40,000 workers by 2028. Our £300,000 investment through our Regional Skills Hubs funding will support the training of more skilled workers as part of ambitious expansion plans to support the UK’s largest industrial cluster contribute to the country’s net zero goals.”

• Plant + Paddle partners include Target NEL, North East Lincolnshire Council, Ebb+Flo Collective, The Canoe River Cleaner and Sandringham Estate’s former Head Gardener & Learning and Engagement Coordinator
• Created to support NELC children’s services and community engagement across Grimsby
• Events actively encourage young people to explore the world of marine environment, habitat and biodiversity all connected to Renewable Energy
• On and off-water activities proactively immerse children in the natural world and nurture their curiosity

Plant + Paddle will launch on August 12th at Alexandra Dock in Grimsby following a successful pilot session which took place on Friday, August 2nd.

Six children met at Projekt Renewable, where the Plant + Paddle delivery team took them through a guided paddleboarding and planting activity day. Sponsored by The Crown Estate, the concept was created to engage local children and actively encourage them to learn more about the world that the renewables sector relies on.

From the mini-ecosystems on our doorstep to marine biology and life on the water’s edge, how the natural world impacts us and how we prioritise it for the conservation of the planet are big topics – but nevertheless are topics Plant + Paddle aims to discuss. In order to make the leap from these big environmental challenges to the world of renewables, and relate it back to the day-to-day lives of the local community’s younger members, an expert team has been assembled at Projekt Renewable.

Projekt Director, Richard Askam, commented: “Talk about Avengers Assemble… We are delighted to bring Plant + Paddle to the children of Grimsby and even more delighted to have such a talented bunch of people on board to deliver it! This is really what Projekt Renewable is here for, to let children discover things they didn’t know about marine conservation, biodiversity and renewable energy by getting their hands dirty and their feet wet!”

Paddle Power

Managing the on-water side of the sessions is Toni Buckle of Ebb + Flo Collective and James Elliott aka The Canoe River Cleaner.

Toni Buckle from Cleethorpes representing Ebb + Flo Collective, said: “As soon as Projekt Director, Richard, got in touch about Plant + Paddle it piqued my interest. But it was the team that was involved, as well as the well-documented benefits of activity and blue spaces on people’s well-being and more people being able to access these, that sealed the deal for me.

“Myself and the team behind Ebb+Flo Collective CIC had long recognised that there are certain barriers preventing many individuals from accessing the sea and its benefits – financial hardship, poverty, and physical disability to name a few. Breaking down these barriers is exactly why Ebb+Flo Collective was established.

“This project is so exciting! Grimsby is a very underutilised town in terms of activity and well-being, with so much beautiful wildlife to connect to and explore. It’s an area with so much potential and hopefully, this will be the start of real change that inspires and broadens the horizon of everyone involved. It only takes a small seed for something beautiful to bloom and I hope the project lives up to this.”

James Elliott, The Canoe River Cleaner, added: “You may have seen me on my travels, cleaning our river, and leading nature-based activities to shine a positive light on the beautiful watercourse that snakes its way through our town.

“After recording a recent episode for the latest series of The Podkast, I found myself part of their upcoming Plant + Paddle project which almost sums up my dream day out! Canoeing along our river, teaching children about wildlife, and then increasing biodiversity by planting correct plants along the riverbank. There’s lots of good people about, I’m really proud to be working with some of them.”

Planting A Seed

Back on dry land, and with big thanks to Crowders of Horncastle who supplied all the planting materials and foliage at cost, it was over to Hannah Woods. Coming to Plant + Paddle from Sandringham Estate having recently moved to Lincolnshire, in her role as a Learning and Engagement Coordinator Hannah has been delivering workshops and forest school sessions to those visiting the Royal Estate. With a unique approach to learning all about our natural world, together with her husband, Martin, the former Head Gardener at Sandringham Estate, Hannah brings a wealth of experience to the team.

“I am incredibly excited to be involved with Plant + Paddle sessions with Projekt Renewable, giving children different and interesting opportunities that they might not normally get,” said Hannah. “As a qualified teacher, I know the real importance of outdoor learning which deepens nature connection and supports mental health, boosting confidence, self-esteem and improving social skills, which is what I know the Plant + Paddle event will do for the children who participate in this wonderful series of sessions.”

When it comes to onsite session management, hosting and bookings, the Projekt team is thrilled to be working with Joanne Lord, founder and CEO of Target NEL CIC (Taking Action Raising Grimsby’s Emerging Talents). Having teamed up with Joanne during the Festival of the Sea earlier this year, her positive impact is already being felt across the activity taking place at Projekt. Joanne explains how she came to be involved.

“After speaking with Richard at Projekt, it became clear that we share the same vision for our young people: to raise awareness about the future of renewable energy within our community and to connect this knowledge to their career aspirations,” said Joanne. “My work focuses on developing programs and projects that put children at the forefront, helping them see how their current interests can evolve into transferable skills for a career in this growing industry.

“When I was invited to collaborate with Projekt on the Plant + Paddle, I knew right away that I wanted to be involved. Plant + Paddle offers an exciting opportunity to introduce children and young people to activities they might not typically have access to, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

“New projects such as this one are exciting for both us as a growing collaborative team as well as the community. The Projekt initiative helps to build strong, positive relationships with local residents while promoting the long-term goals of promoting sustainability and renewable energy opportunities locally. For the community, projects like Plant + Paddle offer children and young people access to experiences they might not otherwise have, encouraging them to explore new interests. These activities can spark curiosity, foster a sense of adventure, and develop critical life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

“By blending hands-on activities with education, we hope to show young people that the future of energy can be both exciting and accessible, opening their eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about Plant + Paddle, would like to support or sponsor the programme of events at Projekt Renewable, or would simply like more information about how your children can take part, please get in touch with the Projekt team at info@projektrenewable.com or Joanne Lord at jlord@tragetgy.co.uk

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.