Liberty Steel

We recently sat down with Tony Goddard, Training & Development Manager at Liberty Steel, to look at how they’re investing in Apprenticeships to future-proof their workforce, support career progression, and to uphold engineering skills across their South Yorkshire sites.

Liberty Steel employs over 1,400 people locally! They manufacture speciality steels for the aerospace, oil and gas, renewables, and automotive sectors.

Why choose The Sheffield College, Apprenticeships+ as a training provider?

“For us, the decision made sense,” Tony explained. “We already had a strong relationship with Apprenticeships+ through their delivery of the technical certificate element of our engineering Apprenticeships. So, when we needed a provider to support a training centre at Stocksbridge, the college was the natural choice.”

And the benefits of that choice have been clear.

“The College has an excellent reputation in the region for engineering training and brings huge resources to the table. That ensures our Apprentices receive first-class support throughout their programme.”

Which Apprenticeships are in use at Liberty Steel?

Currently, Liberty Steel is training Apprentices in:

• Level 3 Electrical Engineering

• Level 3 Mechanical Engineering

• Level 3 Process Control (Electrical)

• Level 2 Welding

These Apprenticeships are essential to keeping key departments running smoothly and, just as importantly, they’re helping grow talent.

What qualities make a great Apprentice?

Tony was clear on what they’re looking for: “Commitment is key. We want people who are genuinely interested in engineering, who are motivated and eager to learn. Apprentices train in teams, so strong communication and listening skills are just as important as technical aptitude.”

How have Apprentices benefited your business?

The value of Apprenticeships extends far beyond the classroom.

“Our Apprentices gain high-level skills and experience, initially through the expert instructors at the training centre, and later on, through our experienced craftspeople in the business,” Tony shared. “They’re learning the trade and essential life skills at the same time.”

“And for the business, it’s about safeguarding the future. Developing talent in-house means we retain essential skills and keep our plants running efficiently. It also has a positive ripple effect our workforce takes pride in mentoring the next generation. There’s real energy around that.”

Thinking of offering an Apprenticeship opportunity?

“Only take on an Apprentice if you have a long-term opportunity for them,” Tony advised. “You’re making a significant investment, and without a clear pathway for progression, you risk losing that potential.”

Liberty Steel’s collaboration with The Sheffield College, Apprenticeships+ is a fantastic example of how Apprenticeships can drive business success, support industry growth, and give individuals the chance to thrive in a high-skilled, high-impact sector.

“We’ve seen first-hand the difference Apprenticeships make, not just to the individuals but to the whole business,” Tony said. “Apprenticeships+ has been an invaluable partner in making that happen.”

Click here to find out how we can work with your business and explore our wide range of Apprenticeships through Apprenticeships+.