Students from across South Yorkshire have the chance to participate in an innovative programme led by the GFG Foundation, providing students with some important skills to help them towards being job-ready after school. These include STEM based learning initiatives, designed to involve students in problem solving real-world issues that are happening in their local communities.

Following on from the successful pilot in Rotherham last year, the programme in 2023 has doubled in size, with almost 40 students in Year 9 from four local schools, Wath Academy, Swinton Academy, High Storrs and Sheffield High School for Girls, having signed up for the programme.

GFG Foundation students on the 12-week programme will be mentored by LIBERTY Steel UK employees, in collaboration with education partners the Engineering Development Trust. With a focus on sustainability, the programme helps students navigate the ever expanding green jobs market. Mentors will be on hand to support the students through their project work to design ‘A Sustainable Community’, as well as sharing their skills, knowledge and experience with the next generation.

In addition to developing STEM skills, students will build on their communication skills, with a focus on self-esteem building, so that students develop a confidence in using their own voice, expressing their points of view, so they are better able to navigate an adult world after school.

GFG Foundation students will also receive an industry-accredited Industrial Cadet Award.

Manager of the GFG Foundation Dr Claire Neilson said: “We are delighted to bring this excellent opportunity to students in Sheffield and Rotherham and to have eight mentors from LIBERTY Steel UK supporting the students, demonstrating their passion for helping young people and their commitment to supporting the local community. These programmes support young people to reach their potential and strengthen industries and local communities by boosting skills and employment prospects. Investing in our future generations is crucial to a sustainable future.”

Andy Turton, LIBERTY Steel UK Quality Lead, one of the mentors said: “I took part as a mentor in last year’s programme, and I was so happy to see the amazing results and achievements of the students. That’s why I signed up again, to help more students. The results of the project are not just the proposed ‘Sustainable Community’ aspects, but also the improvement in their personal development, that can be seen across the group of students. I’m honoured to pass on my knowledge and interest to ensure that we inspire the next leaders and technological developers that will drive and sustain not only the steel industry, but all local industries.”

Further information from:

Note to the editors:

The GFG Foundation was established in the UK as a charity in February 2017 to develop the skills needed to help people pursue careers in engineering, metals and renewable energy. It achieves this through running school programmes that offer important skills to help students become job-ready after school.

https://www.gfgfoundation.org/