22nd April 2024 – Today, the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Task and Finish Group (T&FG), comprising of the Carbon Capture & Storage Association (CCSA), bp, and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), announced the publication of their joint report, “Green Jobs Delivery Group – CCS Task and Finish Group, findings and recommendations of the group”. The report, announced at the CATCH training centre, in Stallingborough, signifies a significant milestone in shaping the future of green jobs in the UK. It will provide vital insights and recommendations to address critical skills gaps and opportunities in the CCS sector.

The report sets out the findings and conclusions from the extensive work of the CCS T&FG. It serves to inform the government’s Green Jobs Action Plan while enabling the CCS sector to navigate skills challenges and opportunities effectively. Focussed primarily on the transport and storage aspects of the CCS sector, the report provides key insights from comprehensive sector-wide inputs between mid-2023 and early 2024.

It highlights that CCS can play a pivotal role in industrial decarbonisation, particularly in unlocking opportunities in blue hydrogen production and in the safeguarding of existing heavy industries and deliver a significant contribution to the future of the UK economy. It also notes that the sector offers opportunities for a transitioning workforce and for international collaboration.

An in-depth labour market analysis revealed the projected workforce demand for CCS transport and storage roles from 2023-2030. Projections show potential peaks of up to 3,000 direct roles in a single year by 2030, with broader direct CCS sector roles peaking at up to 15,000 in a single year during the same period. The report underscores the urgency of addressing skills shortages to ensure the successful deployment of CCS projects.

The analysis also identified critical ‘pinch points’ in occupational demand – including across welding, pipefitting, and geosciences – highlighting challenges such as overlapping skill requirements with other sectors, aging labour profiles, and workforce diversity concerns. The report emphasises the importance of addressing skills shortages to maximise the accessibility of these role to local workforce, avoid inflation of labour costs and maintain the sector’s competitiveness.

The report proposes three key sets of actions to address skills challenges effectively:

• Continued and increasingly galvanised industry investment in skills development initiatives, including STEM outreach, apprenticeship programmes, and vocational training.
• Enhanced place-based coordination of skills activities within CCS clusters, supported by wider cross-government policies to drive CCS deployment.
• Sustained government support and investment in CCS policy to provide certainty for job creation and skill development.

Quotes:

Olivia Powis, UK Director at the CCSA, said: “The findings of this report highlight the critical importance of urgent and targeted interventions to tackle skills shortages and promote workforce development in the CCS sector. By aligning industry initiatives with government policies, we can collaboratively address challenges and opportunities in CCS deployment, driving economic growth and achieving net zero ambitions while fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Andy Lane, VP of Hydrogen and CCUS for the UK, and Chair of The CCS Task and Finish Group said “CCS will play a vital role in the UK’s net zero transition plans and could make a substantial contribution to the future of the UK economy. To deliver on that potential it will need the combined efforts of Government, industry, skills bodies, unions and others to help the UK build the skills the sector needs to thrive. This report is a great example of that collaboration in action and is another important step for the future of the sector.”

Andrew Hockey, CEO of the ECITB said “Collaboration among diverse stakeholders is the cornerstone of progress.  It was a privilege for the ECITB to contribute towards the joint endeavour of producing this report which highlights the fusion of expertise from our respective organisations and emphasises the importance of skills development in driving forwards our collective journey towards a greener and more resilient economy.  Increased investment from both industry and government in developing skills initiatives and vocational training will bolster our ability to integrate CCS technologies into our industrial and energy sectors.  This will enable us to bridge the gap between our current reliance on fossil fuels and a future where we can sustain energy security through renewable sources.”

David Talbot, CEO CATCH said: “CATCH was delighted to host the unveiling of the new Green Jobs and Carbon Capture & Storage report.  Standing at the forefront of the transformation, CATCH aim to deliver 1000 new entrants to industry per year by 2029, with our vision for a new National Net Zero Training Centre.  This initiative is a direct response to the urgent need highlighted in recent labour market analysis, which forecasts a significant increase in workforce demand across industrial clusters by 2030.  The new centre, backed by CCS industries, is designed to address critical ‘pinch points’ in demand for welding & pipefitting skills, ensuring learners are well-prepared to contribute to the sector’s growth.  By focusing on specialised training and development, we are taking a proactive step towards mitigating skill shortages, enhancing workforce diversity, and fostering a competitive edge within the industry.”

In an inspiring celebration of International Women’s Day, the CATCH Welding and Pipefitting Hub, proudly partnered with Lincoln Electric UK to host an STEM engagement event aimed at encouraging young women to explore careers in the industrial sector. The event, was a resounding success, drawing attention to the importance of diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The day was packed with a series of hands-on activities, workshops, and motivational talks designed to inspire the next generation. Participants had the unique opportunity to weld chocolate, construct marshmallow towers, tour the facilities, and listen to empowering stories from female welders who have carved out successful careers in the industry.

One of the highlights of the event was the practical welding session, under the guidance of our skilled apprentices, attendees practiced welding a T-bar before advancing to the challenge of welding their very own trophy kindly provided by Kerf. This hands-on approach not only provided a sense of achievement but also demonstrated the blend of creativity and technical skill that welding requires.

Joel Broddle, Head of  Welding and pipefittig said -“We were delighted to be approached by Lincoln Electric to host this event on International Women’s Day, It’s crucial for young women to see themselves represented in all sectors, including those where they have been historically underrepresented. By partnering with Lincoln Electric UK, we aimed to breakdown the stereotypes and showcase the exciting opportunities available in the world of welding and beyond. Thank you to Emma Wallis, Yasmin Whale and Andreas Fetz from Lincoln Electric for making the day such a huge success. They also provided goodie bags for all participants and prizes for the best apprentice trainer – won by Theo Boyd from Tronox, and the best learner of the day was Eve, from Ron Dearing”.

For more information about the event and future initiatives, please contact Joel – joel.broddle@catchuk.org

CATCH is thrilled its much-anticipated Annual Dinner for 2024, is set to take place on May 9th at the prestigious Forest Pines Hotel. This event promises an evening filled with networking opportunities, great food and entertainment!

The evening will kick off with a drink’s reception at 6pm, offering guests a chance to mingle and connect before being seated for a three-course dinner at 7pm. The dinner will also feature a welcome from CATCH CEO David Talbot and to close the formal part of the evening there will be a special guest appearance by Robin Ince, a renowned comedian, actor, and writer, best known for co-presenting the BBC radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox.

The event will also include a charity raffle draw, with some fantastic prizes in the offering –  with proceeds supporting young people and STEM activities and our chosen charity NE Lincs Downs Syndrome Family Support.

The event plays host to main sponsors, Phillips 66, RWE, VPI and SSE Thermal plus nearly 200 industry guests.

Paul Fursey, UK Lead Executive and General Manager Humber Refinery said “We are proud supporters of CATCH as they play an integral role in developing the next generation of skills industry needs. With plans to develop a Net Zero training Centre, they will support us even further as industry in the Humber region works towards a lower carbon future.”

Corrine Barry , RWE  UK East Coast Director for Net Zero, said “RWE is the largest power producer in the U.K and a leading renewables generator supplying around 15% of UK electricity with a diverse operational portfolio of onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro, biomass and gas. At RWE, our vision is to be entirely carbon neutral by 2040, whilst continuing to provide clean, secure, and affordable energy. We are proud to be supporting the CATCH annual awards dinner for 2024”.

Jade Fernandez, SSE Thermal, Head of Stakeholder Engagement added, “SSE Thermal are proud sponsors of the 2024 CATCH Annual Dinner. Having the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our young Humber talent alongside businesses from across the region is a real privilege.

CATCH continues to play a key role in developing the skills and talent that will be required to deliver the UK’s net zero future, with exciting expansion plans on the horizon for the organisation, it’s leading role in supporting industry and contributing to the local, regional and national economy will continue to grow.   We look forward to celebrating success and supporting the CATCH team in their mission to inspire and educate the industry’s future craftspeople.    The CATCH Annual Dinner 2024 is not just an event but a beacon of inspiration and collaboration towards a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry and the region. It is an evening not to be missed by those who are passionate about the development of skills, talent, and the transition to a lower carbon economy”.

If you would like any further details about the CATCH Annual Dinner please contact Lisa – lisa.buck@catchuk.org

The growing CATCH apprenticeship programme was rated “GOOD” at their first official Ofsted inspection, which took place 29th-31st January 2024, with a grading of “OUTSTANDING” for Behaviours and Attitudes.

The inspection team, who visited the Stallingborough facility over three days, highlighted the fantastic CATCH learning environment, which fosters exemplary attitudes toward learning, punctuality, and respect in all interactions from the Apprentices.

The report detailed that this positive learning culture is underpinned by high-quality, industry-led training delivered by well-qualified tutors with significant technical knowledge and expertise. Apprentices benefit from a curriculum that not only meets but exceeds industry standards, offering opportunities for additional qualifications and engaging in a wide range of skill-refining activities, including competitions and collaborative projects. The emphasis on personal and social development, alongside technical skills, particularly in promoting STEM subjects and supporting community initiatives, showcases CATCH’s commitment to apprentice development.

During the visit, the inspectors discovered extensive engagement activities, showcasing CATCHs commitment to widening participation in STEM subjects and industry careers – including programmes for school children, vulnerable groups, and adult learners – highlighting a proactive approach to community engagement and social responsibility.

The provision also received praise for integrating feedback from employer forums into curriculum development, alongside working with employers to provide practical on-and-off-the-job training, underscoring CATCH’s responsiveness to industry needs. Also highlighted was the extensive safeguarding curriculum which further demonstrated to Ofsted the commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all apprentices.

David Talbot CATCH CEO said.

“I am extremely proud that CATCH has been recognised as a “GOOD” provider of industrial apprenticeships, and achieving an OUTSTANDING rating in the Behaviour and Attitudes category with only two years of operation is nothing short of extraordinary.

This is a significant milestone for our organisation, especially considering our ambitious future plans. While I refrain from highlighting individual contributions, I must extend my gratitude to those who engaged with the inspectors  who showcased our educational and training excellence, and diligently gathered the necessary evidence to validate our collective efforts. This success is the culmination of  continued efforts from our dedicated, highly experienced and proactive team combined with excellent feedback from learners, parents, and employers”

Read the full Ofsted report here.

In an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, innovative projects that contribute to a greener planet are more crucial than ever. One such initiative is the recent completion of a solar power project at CATCH, an endeavor that not only marks a significant step towards renewable energy adoption but also showcases the power of community and technology working hand in hand.

The project, now fully operational, harnesses solar energy to produce electricity throughout the day, with any surplus being fed back into the grid. This milestone is not just about generating clean energy but also about the integration of technology to monitor and optimise its use. Currently, the system’s performance is manually monitored, including both the energy produced and the amount exported back to the grid. However, plans are underway to digitise this process, allowing for real-time tracking through a mobile application.

The project has incorporated an educational component –  not only did CATCH apprentices help GenFit with the installation, but apprentices will also engage with the system in the true CATCH style – hands-on. The data can then be made available via an Excel spreadsheet for the learners to perform an in-depth statistical analysis of the data with respect to output, daylight hours, sunshine hours, daily temperatures, and array orientation.

Vicky Dunn, Grimsby Community Energy said
“We have been raising money for the project for the past 6 months in our 4th share offer and thanks to the local people and businesses of Northern Lincolnshire investing in Grimsby Community Energy we are able to see the projection come to fruition. We instructed our procured supplier Genfit to liaise with CATCH to start work in late Autumn and it’s great to see the project finally completed, creating green, clean energy for CATCH as they continue their journey towards net zero”.

Dave Houston, Genfit commented:
“Genfit has previously worked with GCE on other ventures and was appointed as principal contractor for their new project at CATCH. Genfit was chosen to design, supply, install, and commission the 309kWp PV array. The PV system itself has been spread over three CATCH buildings, designed to provide the optimum benefits to CATCH.
The equipment we used for the installation consisted of.
– 582 x 530W Longi monocrystalline solar modules
– SolarEdge inverters with power optimisers offering module level monitoring and advanced safety features during installation, maintenance, and fire safety.
– S:Flex roof mounting systems
– Owen Brothers metering
– Schneider, Eaton & Switchtech switchgear

Genfit works extensively with several community energy groups, delivering renewable energy through community-led projects. We support the opportunities these groups create to generate income for the community.  As a company, Genfit is currently working towards their BCorp certification, where we prioritise people, planet then profit. Examples of this during the CATCH installation included.
– At CATCH we facilitated electrical apprentices to get hands on experience of installing PV equipment
– The system will save 50 tonnes of CO2 annually, equiv. to planting 2,305 trees”

CATCH Apprenticeships Schools engagement team is expanding their interaction with students by collaborating with employers on STEM projects within schools. The aim for these projects is to enhance the understanding of the transition to net zero industry, as well as linking curriculum to careers. One of the projects that is due to launch in the region is the Air Product’s Hydrogen Challenge. This project is tasking young students from key stage 3 to work in teams to develop a promotional campaign that would encourage a local transport firm to change their vehicles to hydrogen fuel.

Air Products is also one of the main sponsors for this year’s National Careers Challenge project for year 7 students which collaborates with other companies on building essential skills, awareness, and careers for young people across the UK.

In January, James McIntosh, Chief Commercial Officer and Caitlin Brewitt, Schools Engagement Coordinator were invited to attend the launch of the National Careers Challenge hosted at the House of Lord in courtesy of Baroness Morgan. Air Products Project lead, Lynn Willacy represented Air Product at this event, to share the STEM project which they will be hosting with CATCH across ten schools in the Northeast Lincolnshire Area.

James McIntosh said “We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with one of our members, Air Products, on their exciting engagement project. The work they are doing in the region with local schools is vital to ensure they have the people interested in the careers they are offering in the net zero industry with their hydrogen projects. The fact we are involved at the start of the programme and then also train Air Products apprentices, is a true partnership approach which we value greatly.”

Caitlin adds “We are very thankful to Lynn and Air Products for allowing us to join their project and look forward to getting local schools involved in this brilliant event. Having projects like this within schools widens students’ awareness of the industry and its changes whilst linking their curriculum lessons to future careers. In addition to this project, there will be further employer STEM Projects taking place, which will expand with further support from employers and schools.

Lynn Willacy, Community & STEM Ambassador, Air Products: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with CATCH. We have sponsored the National Careers Challenge for four years and the inclusion of careers advice and apprenticeship information is a great addition to the programme, and links nicely to future Air Products projects that will be in the local area. We look forward to working with CATCH to inspire students with their future careers.”

‘As many of our apprentices, aged 16-24, are fairly new to the industry, they don’t have a wealth of experience when operating angle grinders’ explains James McIntosh, Chief Commercial Officer at Catch.

‘The safety of our apprentices when operating tools whilst undertaking their training is of paramount importance to us but we also need to balance this with making sure they are adequately trained on the tasks they will be required to do when they enter their employers business. We need to ensure that our apprentices can do the job required in industry with safety as a strong aspect’.

THE SOLUTION

FEIN were invited to a supplier open day that was held at the training centre in order to demonstrate some of their tools. Catch, who pride themselves on strong partnerships with industry and manufacturers, were suitably impressed by FEIN’s new standard in angle grinder safety, The Protago.

The FEIN Protago, designed in collaboration with Bouygues Construction, was launched in May 2022. Following a serious accident on Bouygues construction site, the group invited tenders to manufacturers to design a grinder that met their strict safety requirements. These included features and benefits such as compulsory two-handed operation, non-removable safe guard, and an additional safe guard and anti-kickback function. Additionally, they required a non-removable side handle and electric brake function.

THE BENEFIT

Thanks to the Protago, Catch have been able to set new standards in their training programme by improving quality, efficiency and above all, safety. Key benefits include:

• Maximum user protection due to the combination of safety features – most of the apprentices attending the training centre have little to no experience with angle grinders so user protection is key when training on a new tool.
• Optimum performance and safe handling – Catch’s apprentices were very impressed with the performance of the Protago and commented on its quality and ease of use when compared to other angle grinders they had handled in the past.
• Efficiency – Catch design their courses working closely with the employers to ensure that the skills being taught to apprentices replicates the job in the industry. The quality and performance of the Protago has allowed apprentices to do the job required whilst also maintaining high levels of efficiency.
• SAFETY – The Protago sets a new standard in angle grinder safety by eliminating nearly all common accidents caused by improper operation. By using the FEIN Protago for training, the industry’s future leaders have been able to receive adequate training on the skills required whilst maintaining the highest levels of safety.

The OUTCOME

Speaking of the partnership, Nigel Simpson, Head of Process and Maintenance Apprenticeships said: ‘FEIN attended an open day here at the training centre and it was there, that I first learned about the Protago. I was very impressed with the grinder, the benefits that were demonstrated to me, that really highlighted the safety aspects such as the two-handed operation, and could see that the Protago would fit nicely into our training programmes.’

Fein’s Nathan Ford adds: ‘Having worked in the industry for the past 15 years, I am very aware of how angle grinder related incidents can occur, usually as a result of our own complacency. With the Protago it is virtually impossible to be complacent, it gives the performance required while having all the safety features needed to allow excellent work progress in the safest way possible. With this revolutionary product in hand, my aim is now to reach out to as many health & safety managers in the construction industry as possible and educate them on how the Protago can help transform the work of their employees’.

To find out more about the Protago, visit here  https://fein.com/en_uk/application-tips/protago-safety-angle-grinder/

CATCH Skills, a leading technical training provider for the chemical and process-based industries, is proud to announce that the department has reached a significant milestone in surpassing £1 million in sales for the first time in its history. CATCH launched the commercial short course department of the business, CATCH Skills, in 2017 and since then, the growth has been exponential from delivering 296 courses in the first year, to over 1000 courses in the last financial year. The journey has seen over 15,000 delegates trained in that time, the majority of which have been for CATCH member employers and its associated supply chain.

This landmark moment underlines CATCH’s commitment to delivering high-quality training solutions for industry to ensure our employer’s workforce has the right level of skilled and competent staff. The £1m is of sales year-to-date from April to December 2023, which still leaves the final quarter of the financial year to hit an even bigger target. This year has seen the CATCH Skills delivery team cover the whole of the UK delivering courses on clients sites including trips to Scotland, Isle of Man, Wales and all 4 corners of England, illustrating the wider demand for the range of technical provisions delivered in our industry.

The achievement is a testament to the Skills team’s approach to delivering training, as well as the strong partnerships that have been forged with employers including a number of managed training service contracts where CATCH Skills manages and coordinates their whole training and competency plan and matrix.

Skills Account Manager, Holly Goodwin said “This achievement is a testament to our team member’s hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence over the last 8 months.  It’s moments like these that make me so proud to be part of such an amazing group of individuals!

Our team will continue to drive and excel, whilst adding to, improving, and enhancing our training provision to support our customers further.  We’re excited for the challenges and achievements that lie ahead!

Thank you to all our amazing clients.  Your continued support has played a crucial role in our success.”

Head of Training Delivery Mark Booth said “This is a massive achievement and reflects the hard work across the department – delivering a quality service. Our CATCH Skills team ethos is unsurpassed.

Through unwavering dedication, collective brilliance, and a shared vision, our team has not only met but surpassed the £1 million sales milestone. Together, we’ve turned aspirations into accomplishments, and this success reflects our united strength towards a common goal. Here’s to the power of teamwork and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.”

Chief Commercial Officer, James McIntosh, said “It is such an incredible achievement that CATCH Skills has become a £1m department in it’s own right. When I joined the business in May 2017, we had no trainer, and a small support staff, so for the business to now be hitting £1m worth of training revenue in that time, with a pandemic in the middle, shows how much progress has been made. I am so proud of the whole team and would like to thank them for all of their hard work to get CATCH Skills into such a good position. It is exciting to see where CATCH Skills goes next as our industry embarks on a journey to net zero, which will require more skilled workers than ever before, with an expected increased training demand in the Humber region of up to 22,000 roles before 2050”