Despite the tough economic climate, Tata Steel will this year continue to seek out the best apprentices to help develop a sustainable future for the company.

Tor  Farquhar, Tata Steel HR Director, said: “The steel industry is facing a challenging time, but we are continuing to invest in skills for the future and our apprentice programmes are central to our future success.”

The Tata Steel apprentice scheme is one of the biggest in Britain. Currently almost 500 young people are going through training to become technicians or engineers with the company.

This year, Tata Steel is recruiting apprentices in the following areas:
• Scunthorpe – 55
• Rotherham/Stocksbridge – 29
• Teesside – 8
• Skinningrove – 8
• Hartlepool – 6
• Corby – 6
• Shotton, North Wales – 5
• Dalzell/Cyldebridge, Scotland – 5

Mr Farquhar added: “The successful candidates can look forward to achieving essential qualifications and contributing to an international company which manufactures world-class steel.”

The 122 new craft and technical apprentices will study mechanical and electrical engineering or chemistry and metallurgy, and work towards NVQ qualifications at the Tata Steel sites.

Apprenticeship applications for Scunthorpe are open until March 17, see website for other opening and closing dates. In all cases, successful applicants will start work in September.

Apprentices are initially on a fixed three year contract and are regularly reviewed throughout this period to ensure they are fully supported to complete their chosen framework.

For more information about the apprentice scheme or to apply, visit: www.tatasteelcareers.com

-ends-

For further information, contact 
Damien Brook on +44 (0)1724 405786 or damien.brook@tatasteel.com

About Tata Steel in Europe
The European operations of Tata Steel comprise Europe's second largest steel producer. With the main steelmaking operations in the UK and Netherlands, they supply steel and related services to the construction, automotive, packaging, lifting & excavating, energy & power, aerospace and other demanding markets worldwide. The combined Tata Steel group is one of the world’s largest steel producers, with an aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 28 million tonnes and approximately 80,000 employees across four continents.