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.

CATCH, the membership-led industrial training organisation, has commenced build on their latest expansion with Lindum Group.

The new facility, which is an extension of the CATCH head-office and conferencing building, will house a new central atrium, lecture theatre, event and breakout space including AR/VR suite and Board Room.
The Humber Freeport has provided £4M of funding towards the industry backed CATCH expansion programme, which is part of the organisation’s wider plans to scale up the number of engineering construction trades people required to build, operate and maintain the UK’s energy security infrastructure.

The expansion, supported by public and private place-based investment, will lead initiatives and projects to build academic partnerships, STEM careers & educational outreach, reskilling and upskilling delegates employed or seeking employment in the Humber industrial cluster where new jobs are being created for the clean power industries and through deployment of new technologies in hydrogen and carbon capture and storage.

The ground breaking ceremony welcomed public sector investors, industry sponsors, CATCH board Members and key stakeholders from across the region. Speeches were delivered from David Talbot CEO CATCH, Simon Green, CEO Humber Freeport, Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes and Martin Vickers Conservative MP for Brigg and Immingham.

Katie Hedges, Chief Strategy Officer said, “Our new centre will play a vital role in accelerating the Humber’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By supporting our members & new investors, nurturing clean growth businesses, and strengthening our ties with local universities, this facility will not only deliver our core membership services but also create skilled jobs, support supply chain development, and inspire the next generation of industry leaders across our industrial communities”.

Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport, said: “Alongside driving investment through our tax sites, Humber Freeport launched with three key focuses – innovation, decarbonisation and skills.
“CATCH’s expansion, supported by significant private sector investment, will advance the region’s capabilities in all of those areas, creating a talent pool for employers to tap into and ensuring our region has the skilled people it needs to unlock growth.

“The Government has this week published its Industrial Strategy, and within it, made one thing very clear – the clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century. As the pre-eminent energy cluster in north west Europe, the scale of opportunity we have in the Humber to drive the UK’s green industrial revolution is enormous.

“Humber Freeport is pleased to be supporting CATCH with its ambitious expansion, as we continue to work closely with the organisation and its industrial partners to understand how freeport status can act as a powerful tool to help the Humber achieve its strategic objectives.”

Cllr Phillip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said “This is great news for North East Lincolnshire. It provides great training opportunities for learners in NEL, particularly young people and preparing them for a future with well paid skilled jobs. We are very proud of the model where we work in partnership with industry to shape training programmes to meet their needs and focus on where the job growth is and we believe that, in close partnership with the Freeport and our new Mayoral Combined County Authority, this is just the start of delivering an improved skills and training offer in our region.”

CATCH is extremely proud to be sponsoring and supporting Armed Forces Cleethorpes 2025, with the design and manufacture of a sign to support the event.

Reading #AFD and standing at over 6 feet tall, the sign is an incredible collaboration. Commissioned by the Armed Forces Major Events Team as a long-standing dream, it was the incredible work of Arron Kearney (Welding and Pipefitting Team Leader), Dan Ridley (Metal Fabrication Trainer) and Alan Bunce (Welding and Fabrication Trainer) as well as some of the First Year Apprentices who were able to use their exceptional engineering skills to design, manufacture and finish the piece from scratch.

The letters are truly a sight to behold, painted in Red, Light Blue and Dark Blue, indicative of the tri-service flag. The design also pays homage to CATCH, who’s logo is featured within the design and will be located between The Remembrance Gate and the top of the Pelican Waterfall. It is a privilege are thrilled to be supporting Armed Forces Day and Armed Forces Weekend, both now and in the future.

David Talbot, CATCH Chief Executive Officer said:

“As an Armed Forces Silver Employer and having operated within the Humber Region for over 2 decades, it truly is an absolute pleasure to have been invited to support the Armed Forces Day Event in Cleethorpes. I am truly blown away by what has been created by both our trainers and apprentices, and hope that the piece has the potential to become a centre piece of the event for years to come.”

Alex Baxter, Managing Director of the Armed Forces Major Events Team, said:

“I’d like to thank CATCH for doing this for us – it’s a great way for young people to learn about Armed Forces Day and what it means to be part of the armed forces community.

“The weekend is all about thanking members of the armed forces, past, present and future, and their families for their service to the country, and we can’t wait to see lots of people take photos in front of the letters and show their support too.”

Arron Kearney, Welding and Pipefitting Hub Team Leader, said:

“The creation of the Armed Forces Day logo was full team effort from HCF Catch, from concept to design then manufacture. I have family and friends that have serve in the armed forces so the was an honour to create this for Armed Forces Day.

Due to the uniqueness of the design, it was also a great learning curve for the apprentices as they had to live problem solve how the letter would stand alone and be made secure. This can be seen by the modifications made as the letter were being built.

I hope that people enjoy the setting and take many pictures with the letter to promote Armed Forces Day.”

Dan Ridley, Metal Fabrication Trainer said:

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable project from start to finish, and allowed us to showcase our hard work, dedication and passion for the Armed Forces, who continually protect us. The letters are a dedication and honour to those who are both veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.”

We are once again thankful to the Armed Forces Major Events Team for providing us with this opportunity, as well as to each individual that has been involved in the organisation, design, manufacture and completion of the letters:

Arron Kearney – CATCH

Dan Ridley – CATCH

Alan Bunce – CATCH

Dexter Paton – Wood

Bartosz Portruski – PJD

Kyle Standley – PJD

Ellis Churches – PJD

Elliot Hooper – OLG

Fraser Conlan – Allied Protek

Jake Hargreaves – Bilfinger

Barney Sewell – Rainham Industrial Services

Lewis Dick – Haile Engineering

Harry Jackson – Phillips 66

Archie Bennett – INEOS

Euan Hoyle – Worley

Joel Broddle – CATCH

David Talbot – CATCH

Ellie Owens – CATCH

For more information about the weekend, please visit https://www.afmet.co.uk/.

CATCH is proud to announce that it has been awarded Service Provider of the Year at the 2025 Chemical Industries Association (CIA) Awards. The award recognises CATCH’s outstanding contribution to the UK chemical industry through its innovative, industry-led skills, training, and competency programmes.

Located in the heart of the UK’s Energy Estuary, CATCH delivers high impact services tailored to meet the evolving needs of industry, from its world-class training facilities and membership networks to its policy engagement and school outreach work. CATCH was shortlisted for three awards alongside tough competition in the industry – The Sustainability Award, The Service Provider of the Year Award and the Company of the Year Award.

David Talbot, CEO of CATCH, said:
“To be recognised by the CIA as Service Provider of the Year is a proud moment for our team. This award is a testament to the power of partnership, working together with our communities, industry, government, and education to build the skills and infrastructure needed for our region and beyond. We are now triple award winning, having previously been awarded the ECITB training provider of the year, and the ATA Training Provider of the year”.

To find out more about CATCH and their services please visit www.catchuk.org

Today, CATCH has achieved the Silver employer recognition scheme award recognising their ongoing commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

Having achieved the Bronze award in 2022, the granting of the Silver Award today demonstrates the additional steps they have taken to support those who serve or have served in the armed forces, including reservists, veterans, and their families.

As a military-friendly employer, their team includes ex-forces personnel from across the Army, Navy and RAF, who bring valuable skills and experience to the organisation.

Mark Booth, Head of Skills Training Delivery at CATCH, said:

“As an employer of ex-forces personnel from all 3 services I am honoured that CATCH has been recognised with the Armed Forces Silver Award 2025. The award is a progression on the Bronze Award granted in 2022 and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to employing and supporting those with current or previous roles in the armed forces. Having previously completed 24 years service in the RAF I am honoured to work for a military-friendly employer, championing the work of the armed forces, providing a flexible and supportive working environment”.

CATCH will continue to support, advocate for, and provide opportunities for members of the armed forces community. To find out more about CATCH, visit: www.catchuk.org

CATCH hosted their Cyber Security (Operational Technologies) Network on Wednesday 11 June with over 20 delegates in person and via Teams. The focus of the session was a presentation with Elliot Gidley from Claroty on the topic of vulnerability and risk management.

By seeking to improve operational efficiency to drive profits, management boards are exposing more risk to the business through allowing greater connectivity to systems from, for example, vendors. Bad operators can then exploit these potential weakness with the aim to ransom the business to fund criminal activity.

Digitalisation is driving innovation through automation and robotics, digital twins, 5G networks and edge computing. Potential back doors are being opened up across these areas. Critical infrastructure is governed by regulations and frameworks to control and manage this risk.

Currently 69% of OT organisations typically pay ransoms ($1.1B in 2023) compared to 24% for IT environments. OT victims can present serious safety and other implications from being offline/out of production so paying the fine can be the lowest risk option.

Elliot gave an overview of a recent survey looking at OT Exposure and the Global State of CPS Security in 2025. Findings showed that 12% of researched organisations have OT assets communication with malicious domains, through eg. KEVs & insecure internet connections. Elliot highlighted how to prioritise remediation through a focus on known exploited vulnerabilities, ransomware links and insecure internet connections. The group discussed the risks exposed to sites by some vendors and how clients can work together with vendors to improve security.

Elliot demonstrated how Claroty can help manage exposure through business impact assessment. It is important to create a priority list of vulnerabilities for operational technologies to focus time and resources. Elliot took many questions and after a coffee break ran through a demonstration of the Claroty xDome dashboard and functionality.

The next meeting of the Cyber Security Network will be hosted at Tronox on Wednesday 15 October. For more information about CATCH Networks please contact katie.hedges@catchuk.org.