South Yorkshire steel apprentice Joseph Briggs of Liberty Speciality Steels has won the national title of Metals Industry Apprentice of the Year 2018. Mechanical apprentice Joseph from Rotherham was chosen by The Worshipful Company of tin plate workers alias wire workers in recognition of his ‘exceptional development, high-level skills and commitment to progression in the metals industry.’
A delighted Joseph, who is currently based at Liberty’s Aldwark Cast Products division, received his award recently during a high-profile industry dinner at the prestigious Painters’ Hall in the City of London. The company which produces high grade steel for use in aircraft and cars worldwide, has just finished its latest recruitment round of apprentices who will train under Liberty’s respected skill building programme.
Joseph, who has just finished his training, has been at the heart of Aldwark’s rapid growth drive since Liberty acquired the business and its sister plant at Stocksbridge just over a year ago. Output has risen by 63% during that time as Liberty aims for full production. Apprentices recruited by Liberty Speciality Steels are supported in their development by a specialist training centre which the company runs in association with Sheffield College at its plant in Stocksbridge.
