Member Article

Former SSI workers finding training roles following steel crisis

Middlesbrough College has recruited three former steelworkers who fell into unemployment following the recent steel crisis on Teesside.

Part of the SSI Task Force, the training provider received £1.2m to offer a range of specialist industrial training courses for former SSI workers and contractors.

Training is offered free of charge to those who can show they have been directly affected by the recent events in the steel industry.

Chris Burnett and Simon Robinson have taken up lecturing posts while Mark Smith has been appointed Mechanical Workshop Technician.

Chris, 46, is lecturing in Electrical, Electronics and Process, while Simon, 48, is leading classes in Mechanical and Manufacturing.

The college delivers training in science, technology, engineering and maths and in addition to practical skills and theory, students must also demonstrate the professional behaviours expected on any industrial site.

Chris was an Engineering Manager at SSI before the axe fell in October – he had previously been employed by Tata, Corus and British Steel and began his career as an apprentice straight out of school.

The dad-of-two said: “The skills we learned, the qualifications we gained and the personal development opportunities at British Steel meant the workforce gained a reputation for producing the best steel in the world.

“Sadly that’s all come to an end and the fallout from the closure will go on for some time but finding new jobs so quickly means the three of us count ourselves very lucky.

“Teaching wasn’t something we’d really considered at this stage in our careers but we see it as an opportunity to give something back and our experience will help us to train young engineers of the future.

“The training and the industrial equipment here is cutting edge and the ethos is spot on.

“As well as teaching theory and practical skills students’ employability is increased tenfold as they are expected to demonstrate professional behaviours including adhering to health and safety protocols – it’s what will help them get jobs when they complete their courses.”

Zoe Lewis, Middlesbrough College principal and chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chris, Simon and Mark to the team, their vast experience of industry is priceless.

“It’s great that we were in a position to offer jobs to some of those who lost theirs when the steelworks closed and we are doing all we can to help other SSI and supply chain workers get back into work.”

Ms Lewis added: “With help from the college team and the hundreds of companies we work with, we can match the right candidates to the right job opportunities and provide tailor-made training if necessary.”

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