CATCH Cyber Security Network was hosted at Tronox on 15th October 2025. Over 30 delegates joined the session both in person and on Teams, welcomed by Adam Chapman, Manager of OT Cyber Security at Tronox & Chair of the CATCH Cyber Security Network. Adam opened the meeting and introductions to the speakers were made.

The first speaker of the Network was Luke Molyneaux, Cyber & Information Security Officer at ABB PAEN UK. Luke gave a presentation on Cyber Security in Energy Transition Greenfield and Brownfield systems, initially setting the scene stating that the UK is experiencing 1,925 cyber-attacks per week, impacting major organisations such as Jaguar Landover, the NHS and Marks & Spencers to name a few.  Luke explored risk reduction for industrial cyber security in the workplace through malware protection, security updates, backup, system hardening, application allowlisting and asset inventory, describing the features of ABB Cyber Security Architecture for reference. Luke finished by providing an update on Regulatory Changes to NCSC CAF [4.0], and how ABB can support sites with system hardening and control of application allowlisting.

After a brief coffee break, the group discussed how to take Cyber Security Standards and turn them into CSMS Policies & Procedures. The discussion included ISO 27001, IEC 62443, UK CAF/NIS/OG86, NIST and NIS 2. Those present compared their sites experiences of compliance with standards and how to meet various demands. The group also discussed how site leadership can help develop robust systems and procedures.

Adam outlined training dates in 2026 for IEC 62443 with ISA (booking with ISA through their website), and will be held at CATCH on the following dates:

16-20 Feb IC32/33 (part 1)

13-17 July IC34/IC37 (part 2 hands on technical)

14-18 Sep IC32/IC33 (part 1)

Over lunch the group heard from Martin Holste, Chief Technology Officer at Trellix Cloud & AI Security.  Martin was joined by Dominic Sowden, Mo Cashman & TG Singham, all of whom are from Trellix, and provided an international input crossing several time zones.  Martin gave an insightful overview surrounding the use of AI for security and how to spot the threat and neutralize it before it strikes.  When correctly used, a generative AI solution can save time, offering consistent approach to corrective actions against threat actors. Martin concluded by giving a full demonstration on how Trellix Wise investigates and deals with an alert.

The next meeting of the CATCH Cyber Security Network will be held on 11th March 2026. For more information about this and our other CATCH network please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

CATCH held their Environmental Managers Network on Wednesday 8^th October via Teams. The group chair, Martin Jones, HSEQI Manager at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, welcomed over 30 delegates to the meeting and introductions were made.

Martinbegan the meeting by honouring the memory of Dr Tony Edwards, who sadly passed away recently. Tony was not only chair of the CATCH Environmental Managers Network for many years, but also an active director of Humber Nature Partnership and regularly lectured at University of Hull. Tony will be missed by all who knew him.

Martin introduced Colin Robinson, Business Manager UK & Ireland, from Evides Industriewater, who gave a presentation on Industrial Wastewater Treatment & the Environment. Colin shone a spotlight on our low carbon future, which will also be a high nitrogen one. Colin described the 3 different causes of N2O production in Denitrification processes and then explained how climate change could have an impact on water quality, a result of warmer, wetter winters. Industrial sites might see bio-fouling requiring more maintenance, reduced effectiveness of water cooled systems, lower water treatment recovery rates or temporary limits introduced for water abstraction. Colin advised that water should be on your risk register with plans in place for coping with seasonal variation. Sites would benefit from knowing their water balance and mass balance for key pollutants – buddying up with neighbouring sites for treatment and supply may also mitigate impacts.

After a break, Matthew Woolin from the Environment Agency gave a presentation on Regulation for Climate Change Adaptation. Matthew laid out the EA’s expectations & objectives for EPR and COMAH sites including undertaking a site-specific climate change risk assessment and preparing and regularly reviewing an adaptation plan. Guidance is available here:

Develop a management system: environmental permits – GOV.UK

Adapting to climate change: industry sector examples for your risk assessment – GOV.UK

Climate impacts tool: guidance for Environment Agency staff

The EA aims to help industry adapt to climate change whilst remaining compliant with their permits and operating a successful business. COMAH sites will have received information from the EA in May explaining the intervention priorities for 2025/26.

Company updates included the following announcements:

Uniper were pleased to announce they have submitted their planning application for a Humber Green Hydrogen Hub project in Immingham, more details here https://www.uniper.energy/united-kingdom/news/uniper-submits-planning-application-for-humber-h2ub-green-hydrogen-production-facility/

Humber Nature Partnership are now taking registrations for their Annual Conference on 13 November at Hull Guildhall. Details can be found https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-humber-conference-tickets-1780454720999?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

The CATCH Conference Centre is now closed for expansion and renovation and is due to be open again in early spring. Networks and events will continue to run as normal with members hosting as far as possible.  CATCH facilitate a series of industry led network groups for members, more details can be found at https://catchuk.org/catch-networks/

The next Environmental Managers Network will be held on Wednesday 4^th March 2026.

CATCH are pleased to announce that we have been successful in our push to deliver Department for Education Skills Bootcamps, designed to allow development and training for the changing industrial landscape.

Working in conjunction with Maersk Training and Renewable Power Academy, these Skills Bootcamps help develop new skills that employers are looking for, as well as providing workers with progression opportunities that can be used to further their current careers.

The following Skills Bootcamps will be offered at our CATCH Facility in Stallingborough:

•  Introduction to Industrial Engineering (Welding, Metal Fabrication and Mechanical Engineering)

     Successful completion of this Skills Bootcamp will see participants receive an EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations

     Contact bootcamps@catchuk.org to book a place. 

This 12-week programme will allow participants to develop vital Industrial Engineering Skills in Mechanical Engineering, Welding and Metal Fabrication, as well as receiving support with employability, interviews and CV Building.

• Green Skills Bootcamp – Wind Turbine Technician

     Successful completion will see participants receive GWO Accreditation from Maersk Training.

      Contact windcareers@maersktraining.com to book a place.

• Green Skills Bootcamp – Blade Repair Pathway

     Successful completion will see participants receive both GWO and ECITB Accreditation.

     Contact greenskills@renpow-group.com to book a place.

Positions on the bootcamps are open to both employed individuals and those currently out of work, with participants being fully supported throughout the duration of their bootcamp not only with technical elements and assessments, but with obtaining the necessary endorsements and sign posting to further their careers, should this be required.

Our next Skills Bootcamp dates are as follows:

24th November 2025: Green Skills Bootcamp – Wind Turbine Technician Pathway (windcareers@maersktraining.com)

6th January 2026: Introduction to Industrial Engineering (bootcamps@catchuk.org)

26th January 2026: Green Skills Bootcamp – Wind Turbine Technician Pathway (windcareers@maersktraining.com)

23rd February 2026: Green Skills Bootcamp – Wind Turbine Technician Pathway (windcareers@maersktraining.com)

CATCH Skills are pleased to introduce two new CATCH Skills Courses this Autumn.

The first of these new, CATCH Accredited Courses, is Rigging Loft Management and LOLER Compliance, which looks to build on existing knowledge of slinging and lifting, with a greater focus on legislation, regulatory compliance and the necessary skills to manage rigging lofts.

“This course was created following feedback from clients who have completed slinging and lifting and were looking for a rigging loft managers course to further their learning” said Daisy Morgan, CATCH Skills Account Manager.

This new Rigging Loft Management and LOLER Compliance will cover aspects such as rigging fundamentals and inspection and maintenance of essential equipment, as well as challenges faced in the workplace and how to best overcome them.

In addition, we are also furthering our CATCH Skills Course reach by introducing our new CATCH Skills Managing Working at Height course, which has been carefully designed and curated for those whose teams work at height.

Aiming to raise awareness of both safe systems of work and legislation surrounding working at height, the course blends both practical and classroom-based learning to ensure delegates receive the necessary training to be able to safely and competently manage teams.

Daisy continued by saying: “From discussion with delegates, we’ve recognised that there is a lack of training across these topics in the local area, so being able to offer this new course helps bridge the skills gap.”

Our ex-industry expert tutors have used their extensive knowledge to be able to build these courses based on industry requirements, regulatory legislation and bridging the training gap that has been identified within the region.

For more information about our new CATCH Skills Courses, please contact info@catchuk.org, or call 01469 552828.

As CATCH continues to try and bridge the skills back by providing skilled and competent new entrants to industry, we are proud to share the introduction of our new Pre-Apprenticeship Programme.

This 12-week intensive programmes provides learners the opportunity to fast track their way to a Level 2 Qualification in Performing Engineering Operations, with the view to obtain employment or a further Level 3 Apprenticeship in the new year.

Our first cohort consists of 7 talented individuals, all of whom have been working tirelessly to succeed in such a short period of time.

During their first 3 weeks, the pre-apprentices, many of whom gained a place on the programme with little or no engineering experience, have not only learnt the fundamental principles of health and safety and effective communication in the workplace, but have also gained vital hands-on experience across both mechanical and electrical engineering from their first day at CATCH.

The pre-apprentices have learnt the relevant hand-fitting skills, using various tools and techniques to produce an “Engineers Square”, and this week have successfully completed electrical circuits composed of two-way switches, lights and 20mm conduit.

Following the successful completion of their 12-week programme, our pre-apprentices will be aiming to secure employment or a Level 3 Apprenticeship within the engineering industry. We would encourage employers and companies to speak to either Brad Fox (brad.fox@catchuk.org) or Bob Padley (bob.padley@catchuk.org) about the skills our pre-apprentices have developed, or how a pre-apprentice could be an asset to your business. We also welcome employers to visit our pre-apprentices at our CATCH Facility in Stallingborough, see their skills in action or provide useful insights surrounding the engineering industry, applications, interviews and the benefits of the programme which they are currently completing.

Should an employer be interested in taking on one of the CATCH pre-apprentices as a Level 3 Apprentice, CATCH are able to assist in facilitating this, with capacity to accept Day-Release Learners starting in January, or as a Full-Time Apprentice following February Half-Term.

We look forward to seeing how our pre-apprentices progress during their time at CATCH, and will be showcasing more of not only their technical abilities but also their personal development, employability workshops and visits from those already working in industry.

CATCH Industrial Decarbonisation Network Chair Joe Howe, welcomed delegates in person and online before explaining the format of the meeting. Joe invited our first speaker Torsha Nag ABB, who talked about Digital Solutions in Green Hydrogen Production.

Torsha explained that the process of Energy and Hydrogen Management is complex, with various components needing to be optimized for the process to be effective. She continued by discussing the ABB approach, covering production, distribution and end use. Torsha further added about ABB OPTIMAX digital solution, that provides a coordinated solution- including forecasting, energy optimization, advanced process control and energy market interaction. Benefits include a 20% reduction in OPEX costs, efficiency increases and emissions reduction and balancing of energy sources to ensure availability while leveraging from market prices.

Joe facilitated questions before introducing Blair McMaster, Senior Consultant Carbon Capture, starting with an Introduction into DNV, who have been active in CCUS over the last ten years. He highlighted two recent projects including Skylark in Cumbria where they have large scale release experiments and Transactions, where they are an ENI CCUS global infrastructure partner. Next, he introduced their new report – Energy Transition Outlook: CCS to 2050.

The key takeaways from the report suggest that the turning point for CCS is now. CCS project pipeline has grown significantly, with capacity to increase substantially with the strongest growth in hard-to-decarbonise sectors. By 2050 they estimate that 6% of global emissions will be captured.  Barriers include technical, high cost, public perception and regulatory and policy challenges. Blair discussed global predictions and highlighted that maritime transport is also included.

Link to the report –  https://www.dnv.com/energy-transition-outlook/carbon-capture-storage/

Next, Joe introduced Children Challenging Industry Primary Science Lead Melanie Boyeson, University of York. Melanie told the group about how they facilitate connections and provide resources for primary children to experience industry and help businesses to achieve their outreach goals. The aim of the CIEC at University of York is to encourage young people – our future workforce – to consider STEM and industry careers.  Find out more here – https://www.york.ac.uk/ciec/industry-support/

After a short break Joe introduced the paper The Road to Net Zero: Renewables and Nuclear Working Together, presented by William Bodel, Research Associate in Nuclear Systems, The University of Manchester. The paper is the latest of five position papers from the Dalton Nuclear institute and considers DESNZ detailed scenarios for future energy needs to 2050. The paper also analyses the High Electrification Scenario and suggests an alternative flexible nuclear scenario as well as the total installed power capacity and how much electricity is supplied. William introduced the solution of cogeneration, which uses nuclear power for electricity supply to the grid, and heat production for hydrogen, ammonia and synthetic fuels, direct air capture of CO2, industrial application and heating homes and businesses. This makes nuclear flexible in replacing gas as a support for wind. In comparison to the High Electrification Scenario which gas delivers 1% of all electricity, for 11% of the total cost.

Joe wrapped up the meeting after questions and thanked all our speakers and delegates.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 19^th November at Aura Innovation Centre, Hull, which will include Centrica ES+ & Singleton Birch Case Study – Hydrogen Fuel for Low Carbon Lime Production.

CATCH hosted the Humber Major Hazards Group on Wednesday 16 July, we were delighted to be joined by Yura Sevcenco a Principal Hydrogen Consultant with DNV based at Spadeadam, who gave a presentation on Hydrogen Safety and Carbon Dioxide testing developments at Spadeadam. The network’s chair, Dan Rawdin from SSE, welcomed over 25 delegates both on teams and in person at CATCH.

Yura first gave a detailed input on hydrogen safety, how hydrogen compares to natural gas in various scenarios and how the smaller mass of the hydrogen molecule leads to different behaviour and different hazard and risk management approaches. Yura demonstrated how hydrogen behaves differently to methane in situations such as accumulation and compared jet fires in both substances. Yura described results of experiments on the effects of reactivity on confined and congested explosions. Yura highlighted that Acetylene has a higher rate of deflagration to detonation transition than hydrogen and could present an example of a common chemical used today with the appropriate safety protocols in place. When looking at the wider risk of a gas distribution network running on methane (with older equipment) compared to a potential new hydrogen system deployed (with new equipment), there is evidence to suggest this being a safer system overall.

Yura took questions and after a coffee break continued with an update on a project called Skylark Joint Industry Project at Spadeadam, with a focus on CO2 hazards. Research on carbon dioxide safety, related to capture, transportation and storage, has been undertaken since 2007. Experiments have been performed at Spadeadam to understand how CO2 gas behaves in various leak/release scenarios. Yura described how dispersion models have been used for various weather conditions and how different terrain can affect the outcome. Learning points will be shared with emergency responders and training packages are being developed. 

Companies were given the opportunity to provide site updates and Katie reviewed the content of the website www.goinstayintunein.org with the group. The website is available to members to aid their communication of site hazards and actions to be taken in the event of an incident that may occur and result in offsite effects.

The next Major Hazards Group will be held on 12th November at PX, Saltend, Hull. If you are interested in attending, please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.

On Thursday 17th July 2025, CATCH Apprenticeships hosted their glittering End of Year Awards Afternoon, recognising the hard work and dedication of the 2024-2025 Apprentice Cohort.

Held at the Beachcomber in Cleethorpes, apprentices, employers, family and staff alike attended to see who would walk away with the coveted “Apprentice of the Year” Award.

Awards were also given for Practical Competency, Most Improved and Academic Achievement within each trade, as well as the overall Above and Beyond Award, and CATCH Champion.

Please join us in congratulating our 2025 winners:

Process Operations (Dakota)

Academic Achievement – Thomas Nurse (Croda)

Practical Competency – Harry Radford (Lenzing)

Most Improved – Henry Rosindale (Mitsubishi Chemical)

Process Operations (Denver)

Academic Achievement – Drew Docherty (Triton Power)

Practical Competency – Oliver Sims (Triton Power) 

Most Improved – Melissa Clubley (Centrica)

Electrical

Academic Achievement – Zachary Ogley (Centrica)

Practical Competency – Joseph Brewitt (Tronox)

Most Improved – Evie Dickinson (Knauf) 

Mechanical

Academic Achievement – Jack Horton (Tronox)

Practical Competency – Rhys Leake (Cargill)

Most Improved – Lucas James (Spirit Energy)

Welding

Academic Achievement – Jack Warrender (EFAB)

Practical Competency – Ethan Dawson (Rainham Industrial Services)

Most Improved – Finn Hillary (Blackrow)

Pipefitting 

Academic Achievement – Oliver Wilson (PJD)

Practical Competency – Harry Watt (Phillips 66)

Most Improved – Freddie Smith (EFAB) 

Metal Fabrication

Academic Achievement – Bartosz Potrzuski (PJD)

Practical Competency – Euan Hoyle (Worley)

Most Improved – Ellis Churches (PJD)

ECITB Scholars

Academic Achievement – Kieran Poole 

Practical Competency – Matthew Watson

Most Improved – Miller Johnson

Above and Beyond Award – Zachary Craig (Lenzing)

CATCH Champion – Emily Hasthorpe (Lenzing)

Apprentice of the Year – Barney Morley (Mitsubishi Chemical)

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.