International industrial and metals group Liberty House has taken on seven young apprentices at its Dalzell site, set to reopen later this month, as part of the company’s continued commitment to investing in the long term sustainability of the business.

The first of many apprentices set to join the program with the Motherwell based steelworks, the trainees will work on the maintenance, repair and project management of steel production equipment at the plant. The intake marks a positive first step in the firm’s ambitious plans to take on a continual stream of future trainees.

This week the iconic plant, which was rescued by Liberty in April this year following closure by previous owner Tata, undertook its first trial rolling of steel in readiness for becoming fully operational again at the end of September.

Four multi-skilled recruits, aged between 16 and 19, will be trained in both electrical and mechanical engineering as part of the Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering, delivered by local apprenticeship provider East Kilbride Group Training Association (EKGTA). Three third year apprentices, who were previously made redundant at the plant, will also re-join the steelworks.

Jon Bolton, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Steel UK Plates & Director UK Steel Development said: “Liberty is committed to developing a sustainable business in Scotland and therefore it is essential that we invest in the workers of the future to secure a flow of talent into our industry.

“These young apprentices join us at an incredibly exciting time for Liberty. Yesterday we rolled plate at Dalzell for the first time since the plant was mothballed in December of last year. It was an immensely emotional moment for the Dalzell team and an inspiration to the young people just starting out in this industry.”

Eighteen year old Paul Smillie, one of the apprentices set to join the Dalzell plant said: “I’m very happy to be doing an apprenticeship with Liberty House. The group has a very strong reputation and I’m excited to start working and learning with one of the industry’s best.”

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Director of Industry and Enterprise Networks Gordon McGuiness said:

“The investment Liberty is making to their workforce is encouraging for the local community and the steel industry in Scotland. “This is a significant commitment to the future of the company and to the future of the apprentices who will be building a future career in the steel manufacturing sector.”