Teesside graduates help revive steel industry at SSI

The recently revived steel industry in Redcar is being boosted by a group of new graduates keen to prove their metal.

Five students from Teesside University have joined SSI UK in Redcar to help spread the word about the region’s steel industry.

Two Multimedia Journalism graduates, Araminta Hartley, and Thomas Mulliner, have been employed in the Communications Department at SSI UK providing news and stories about the steel plant.

Thomas, from Sedgefield, County Durham, said: “I’d heard about the steelworks closing on the news, but until you come here it’s hard to appreciate what it is they do.

“We’ve been here now since they started production again and working here has really helped me build a personal connection with the plant and I really want to help make the business a success.”

A further two students ,Alice Roberts-Ward and Craig Peacock are working part-time in the department while they complete their Business Management degrees.

Alice and Craig won the positions at SSI after impressing during their industrial placement last year.

Multimedia Journalism graduate, Nicola Golding, has completed a three month Graduate Internship at SSI where she helped compile a history of the company.

The plant started production again last year after being mothballed by its previous owners, Tata Steel, in 2010.

As a result, a new Communications Department was set up and the team from Teesside University have been playing a vital role in publicising the work of the plant.

Christa Van Raalte, Principle Lecturer in Media Studies at Teesside University’s School of Arts & Media, said: “The reopening of the steelworks at Redcar is a great story for this region and we are delighted that these graduates can play a part in being able to tell that story.

“As a University we aim to equip all our students with the necessary talents to succeed in the workplace when they graduate and we are thrilled that these three have been able to bring their skills to bear to help SSI.”

John Baker, SSI’s Public Relations and Media Director, said: “Teesside University’s stated intention to move closer to business is a great philosophy and they do it very well.

“I’ve been very pleased with the placement process.

“I needed a young, fresh team for the Communication Department and they are all very committed and enthusiastic.

“I know Teesside University has turned out some very good people and they are excellent examples of the quality of the students.”