MP wants to help develop more skilled workers for steel sector 

Kate Dearden, MP for Halifax, has heard first-hand about the challenges facing the constructional steelwork sector during a visit to locally based Elland Steel. 

Meeting representatives from the steelwork contractor and the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA), a range of issues were discussed, including skills shortages, access to training, investment in automation and technology and the need to ensure UK businesses can compete globally.  

Kate Dearden MP said: “Having worked closely with the steel industry as a trade unionist, I am acutely aware of both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. I also know how important it is to support businesses to grow, innovate and develop the next generation of skilled workers. 

“That’s why I’ve written to the Minister for Skills about creating new training opportunities, and in the coming weeks I’ll be bringing together local steel companies and the Minister responsible for steel.” 

Mark Denham, Elland Steel Managing Director, said: “One of our biggest challenges is skills. We want to recruit, train and retain people locally, but the training infrastructure that once supported industries like ours has reduced considerably. 

“Twenty years ago, when I interviewed draughtsman they generally all served their apprenticeships at two main companies. Since they ceased trading, nobody has replaced them. 

“It was great to be able to showcase that we’re investing heavily in the business, including in automation to deliver improved productivity. That technology is there to support our workforce rather than replace it, and investment in equipment has to go hand-in-hand with investment in people.” 

The BCSA also raised wider concerns affecting the constructional steelwork sector, including the exclusion of fabricated steel products from the UK’s steel tariffs and quotas framework.