LIBERTY proposes new measures to drive demand for UK steel production and stimulate investment

LIBERTY Steel’s submission to the UK Steel Strategy consultation has proposed decisive Government action in the form of strategic demand side measures, cost competitiveness and co-investments to reverse the long-term decline in UK steel production and set the industry on a sustained upward trajectory.

A key LIBERTY proposal is for new measures to drive higher UK steel production by stimulating demand for UK-made steel. LIBERTY believes a template from the renewable power sector, the Renewables Obligation on electricity suppliers, could be adapted to the steel sector in the form of a Steel Obligation. A well-designed Steel Obligation would stimulate demand for UK scrap from UK mills and enable more resilient, lower carbon value chains in UK steel and associated strategic sectors like aerospace, civil infrastructure and defence. The Renewables Obligation enabled a major rise in UK-made renewable electricity and renewable electricity investment and jobs.

LIBERTY has also identified several strategic capability investments that could be made it its mills if conditions allow. The concepts would enhance LIBERTY’s existing capabilities to meet the demands of the industries of the future and generate value to the UK economy. Future concepts include a new EAF and slab caster at LIBERTY’s Rotherham mill which could increase the site’s production capacity from 1.2Mtpa to 2Mtpa and provide the UK with the capability needed for the next generation of offshore wind towers.

An investment in LIBERTY’s Dalzell plate mill could enhance plate capability to service almost all fixed bottom offshore wind requirements, enabling the UK to internalise more of the offshore wind value chain and make complementary UK investment in wind tower manufacturing far more compelling.

Jeffrey Kabel, LIBERTY Steel’s Chief Transformation Officer said:

“GFG welcomes the Government’s recognition that a thriving, competitive UK steel industry is key to a successful, modern, low carbon economy. The UK steel sector, and LIBERTY in particular, has tremendous strengths and could play a larger role in growing the industries of the future like wind power, aerospace and defence and civil infrastructure.

Today’s global economic and political context means UK policy needs to shift to creating sustainable demand for UK-made steel.  As competing jurisdictions support their own steel producers and leave the UK vulnerable to global steel imbalances, the UK needs a new approach to its critical industries and capabilities.

Demand side policy measures and well targeted co-investments in UK steel capabilities could keep more value in the UK, meaning more prosperity and fairer outcomes for the UK billpayers and taxpayers.”

Note to the editors:

LIBERTY Steel Group, part of the GFG Alliance and a leading GREENSTEEL producer, is a global integrated steel business bringing together assets across the steel supply chain, from production of liquid steel from raw and recycled materials through to high value precision engineered steels.

  • LIBERTY’s 1.2mtpa steel mill in Rotherham, Yorkshire and its downstream mill at Stocksbridge showcase the future of low carbon steelmaking. Rotherham’s Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs) turn the UK’s ample reserves of steel scrap into semi-finished goods before further processing at Stocksbridge into speciality steels for hi-tech sectors like aerospace and defence. Rotherham’s EAFs produce steel for less than a sixth of the CO2 emissions of a Blast Furnace/Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF/BOF) and this advantage will only grow with the further decarbonisation of the UK power grid.
  • LIBERTY’s 0.3mtpa Dalzell steel plate mill in Motherwell, Scotland, is the largest and most capable in the UK, supplying inputs for the manufacture of essential products like warships, wind turbine towers and bridges.
  • LIBERTY’s Hartlepool steel pipe mill is a major contractor to BP and Equinor’s pioneering Net Zero Teesside power generation and carbon capture and storage joint venture in Northeast England. Hartlepool is also one of the few mills globally to have an approved product for hydrogen pipelines.

Further information from:

Andrew Mitchell Head of Communications – UK+44 7516 029522Andrew.Mitchell@gfgalliance.com
Tetiana Levchenko Communications Manager – LIBERTY Steel UK+44 7771 608404tetiana.levchenko@libertysteelgroup.com

www.libertysteelgroup.com

www.gfgalliance.com

GFG reaches agreement with Greensill creditors on global debt settlement terms

GFG today announces that it has reached an agreement on commercial terms (“the terms”) for settlement of all debts claimed by parties responsible for the main creditors of Greensill Capital. The terms, which lay out GFG’s settlement of claims, remain subject to final binding legal agreement.


This development marks the final chapter of GFG’s debt settlement which has been
under negotiation since the collapse of Greensill Capital in March 2021. The agreement once implemented will significantly deleverage GFG, providing it with the platform to develop longer term sustainable financing for its core operations in Australia, US, UK, Romania and Italy.


In the UK, the development paves the way for successful completion of the announced
Restructuring Plan for LIBERTY Speciality Steel UK. It also clears the way to secure fresh capital into the UK businesses poised for leading the industry on decarbonisation.


In Australia, the development means that GFG’s successful InfraBuild business can finalise its FY 2024 accounts, and supports new capital for LIBERTY Primary Metals Australia, including the Whyalla steelworks.


GFG has taken the decision to launch an expedited process to sell part or all of its equity in Tahmoor Coking Coal mine, with some of the proceeds being available for reinvestment in Whyalla to catch up with supplier payments and boost liquidity, subject to board approval.


LIBERTY’s businesses in Europe will also become free of any Greensill debt upon settlement, helping them to refinance and increase production.


Sanjeev Gupta, GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, said:


“Today’s agreement with the Greensill creditors is a great relief for GFG and all our loyal workforce and suppliers. It will enable us to push on from the deep challenges caused by Greensill’s collapse in 2021 and now gives us a financial platform for recovery and growth. With signs of improvements at our operations and some upturn in our markets, we are confident of being able to access longer-term financing to build on the significant investments we have already made in our international businesses, and to rebuild stakeholder confidence.”


Media enquiries to Kelly Fedor; Manager External Communications and Media
+61 404 003 175

GFG Alliance Celebrated for Health and Safety Initiative

You Matter, We Care program recognised by World Steel Association

GFG Alliance Australia has been honoured with a prestigious award from the World Steel Association (worldsteel) for its outstanding commitment to occupational health and well-being.

The program, ‘You Matter. We Care,’ was acknowledged during worldsteel’s annual Safety and Health Awards, showcasing GFG Alliance’s dedication to creating a mentally healthy and supportive workplace.

At the core of You Matter. We Care are three essential pillars: psychosocial risk management, mental health, and employee well-being. These pillars form the foundation of a workplace where individuals feel empowered to speak up, seek support, and care for one another. The program’s motto, “You Matter. We Care. I’m Here to Listen,” emphasises the importance of eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a culture of trust and psychological safety.

“This award is a testament to the hard work of our teams across the organisation, who have embraced this initiative and significantly contributed to safer and more inclusive workplaces,” stated Fran Nores, Global Head of Safety.

Nores further commented, “At GFG Alliance Australia, we believe that fostering a mentally healthy environment is just as vital as ensuring physical safety. This recognition from worldsteel underscores the importance of prioritising our people’s mental health, and I am immensely proud of the commitment demonstrated by our teams.”

While receiving this award marks an important milestone, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards enhancing mental health support in the workplace. GFG Alliance remains committed to fostering an environment where mental health discussions are encouraged, and every employee feels valued and supported. Congratulations are due to all team members who have contributed to the success of the You Matter, We Care program.

You can learn more about the program in this video:


About GFG Alliance:

GFG Alliance is a collection of global businesses and investments owned by Sanjeev Gupta and his family. The Alliance is structured into three core industrial pillars: LIBERTY Steel Group, ALVANCE Aluminium Group, and SIMEC Energy Group. While operating independently, they are united by shared values and a commitment to creating a sustainable future for industry and society. GFG Alliance employs 35,000 people across 10 countries and generates revenues of USD $20 billion. The Alliance is a leader in sustainable industry, with a mission to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 (CN30).

Tees Mayor visit highlights rich energy pipeline potential at LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has highlighted the rich potential for LIBERTY Steel’s Hartlepool operations to lead the UK energy transition by supplying critical new UK and international pipeline energy infrastructure.

Mayor Houchen’s visit to the plant underlined how LIBERTY Pipes Hartlepool’s specialist pipeline expertise enables them to win orders and support local and UK economic growth, create jobs, attract investment and strengthen energy security. The plant was last month selected to supply carbon capture linepipe to the Northern Endurance Partnership and Net Zero Teesside Power project in the East Coast Cluster.

With ambitions to lead the way in the UK’s energy transition, the Tees Valley has seen significant investment in recent years in offshore wind, sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen production and carbon capture, generating new opportunities for businesses in the region like LIBERTY.

LIBERTY Hartlepool supplies high-quality carbon steel linepipe materials across the energy industry spectrum. Last year the plant successfully completed a test programme to become one of just a handful of firms globally who can supply linepipe suitable for safe transportation and storage of hydrogen. The business is also supplying two major contracts from Subsea7 for gas development projects in the North Sea.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen said:

“It’s clear to see that LIBERTY Pipes in Hartlepool will continue to thrive as they compete to supply new markets like carbon capture and hydrogen pipeline, building on the efforts we’re making to put our region at the centre of the clean energy industry.

“LIBERTY’s selection as a supplier for bp and Equinor’s Net Zero Teesside is great news for local jobs. The vast range of projects the LIBERTY team can supply as well as their location in the Teesside Freeport means they’re perfectly placed to win even more work that can create skilled new jobs here in Hartlepool.”

Jeffrey Kabel, LIBERTY Steel’s Chief Transformation Officer said: 

“We were delighted to welcome Mayor Houchen to LIBERTY’s Hartlepool Pipes plant, where our manufacturing expertise can help lead the energy transition, and drive significant benefits for the local, regional and national UK economy. Our ability to supply pipeline material across the energy system – both existing and new technologies – means we can be a major player in the fast-growing market for new energy infrastructure.”

Further information from:

Andrew MitchellHead of Communications – UK+44 7516 029522Andrew.Mitchell@gfgalliance.com
Tetiana LevchenkoCommunications Manager – LIBERTY Steel UK+44 7771 608404tetiana.levchenko@libertysteelgroup.com

Note to the editors:

LIBERTY Steel Group, part of the GFG Alliance and a leading GREENSTEEL producer, is a global integrated steel business bringing together assets across the steel supply chain, from production of liquid steel from raw and recycled materials through to high value precision engineered steels. With a total rolling capacity of 20 million tonnes, 200+ manufacturing locations globally across 10 countries and employing more than 30,000 people, LIBERTY Steel’s furnaces, mills, services centres and distribution sites across the UK, continental Europe, Australia, the United States and China serve demanding sectors such as construction, energy, aerospace, automotive, and infrastructure. LIBERTY Steel is a leader in sustainable industry with a mission to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 (CN30). 

www.libertysteelgroup.com

www.gfgalliance.com

GFG Foundation launches third year of its UK student programme 

Students from across South Yorkshire have the chance to participate in an innovative programme led by the GFG Foundation, providing them with important skills so they can be job-ready after school. The programme includes STEM-based learning initiatives, designed to involve students in problem solving real-world issues in their local communities. And with a focus on sustainability, the programme helps students navigate the expanding green jobs market.

Now in its third year, the programme has continued to grow with almost 50 Year 9 students from five local schools taking part this year. Wath Academy, Swinton Academy, High Storrs School and Sheffield High School for Girls, have again signed up for the programme, with Stocksbridge High School a welcome new addition.

GFG Foundation students on the 12-week programme will be mentored by LIBERTY Steel UK employees, in collaboration with education partners the Engineering Development Trust. Mentors will be on hand to support the students through their project work to design ‘A Sustainable Community’, as well as sharing their skills, knowledge and experience with the next generation.

In addition to developing STEM knowledge, students will hone their communication skills, with a focus on building self-esteem, so they develop confidence in using their own voice and expressing their points of view, to better able to navigate an adult world after school. GFG Foundation students will also receive an industry-accredited Industrial Cadet Bronze Award. 

Manager of the GFG Foundation Dr Claire Neilson said:

“We are delighted to bring this opportunity to students in Sheffield and Rotherham and to have nine mentors from LIBERTY Steel UK supporting the students, demonstrating their passion for helping young people and their commitment to supporting the local community.”

“The impact that we have on the environment, not only as individuals, but as businesses and industries is of utmost importance to young people today. These programmes support young people in reaching their potential and strengthen industries and local communities by boosting skills and employment prospects. Investing in our future generations is crucial to a sustainable future.

We really want the next generation to be part of our transformation to GREENSTEEL and it’s vital they know how important they are to achieving this transition.”

Further information from:

Andrew Mitchell
Head of Communications – UK
GFG Alliance
+44 7516 029522andrew.mitchell@gfgalliance.com
Claire Neilson                        Manager of the GFG Foundation in the UK+44 7798 844604claire.neilson@gfgfoundation.org.uk

Note to the editors:

The GFG Foundation was established in the UK as a charity in February 2017 to develop the skills needed to help people pursue careers in engineering, metals and renewable energy. It achieves this through running school programmes that offer important skills to help students become job-ready after school.

LIBERTY Steel Signs MoU with AD Ports Group to Explore Plans to Host a Green Iron Production Facility in KEZAD

UAE, 11 December, 2023: Global steel producer LIBERTY Steel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), the leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, to develop solutions for importing high-quality magnetite ore to the UAE, from Australia.

The agreement has the potential to play a significant role in decarbonising international iron and steel production by combining LIBERTY’s access to 4 billion tons of South Australia’s premium grade magnetite ore – an ideal feedstock for green iron and steel production – with the UAE’s huge renewable energy potential and the advanced infrastructure and connectivity offered by AD Ports Group. Khalifa Port has been ranked as the 3rd most efficient container port globally, in the recently published Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Under the MoU, the two companies will explore plans to host a green iron production facility in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) and related port infrastructure and conveyor system in Khalifa Port, contributing to the UAE’s ambitions to grow its manufacturing base by 2031.  

The MoU is part of LIBERTY’s early stage concept development to convert its magnetite ore into high quality green iron in the UAE using gas and transitioning to green hydrogen once it becomes available at scale by 2031 and 2050.  Under LIBERTY’s plans, the high value green iron would be exported to markets, including to its own facilities across Europe in Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and the UK.  Demand for green iron and steel is forecast to reach over U$400bn by 2030, presenting a significant market opportunity for the UAE, and delivering real action to decarbonise supply chains.

Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer -Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, commented: “Our MoU demonstrates AD Ports Group’s commitment to global collaboration that enables progress within alternative energy infrastructure and supply chain. AD Ports Groups’ collaboration with LIBERTY Steel aligns with the objectives of UAE’s visionary leadership for both economic diversification and a greener future. Under the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and Operation 300bn industrial strategy This agreement has the potential for major strides in the decarbonisation of the iron and steel production industry and accelerates the transition to Net Zero for the next generation.”

Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Chairman of GFG Alliance, commented, “We are delighted to partner with AD Ports Group in pursuit of our common goal to decarbonise the global iron and steel supply chain. LIBERTY’s major Australian reserves of magnetite can drive international development of green iron and steel hubs, enabling large-scale adoption of green hydrogen in global steel production. LIBERTY is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and the UAE’s huge renewable energy and hydrogen potential, combined with AP Ports infrastructure advantages can make it an ideal partner in our vision for green iron production here in the UAE.  There is no solution to reach net zero without addressing the largest industrial emitter of CO2.”

In 2017, the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 was unveiled; an ambitious plan to address the country’s rapidly growing energy demands, spurred by a burgeoning economy. This strategy focuses on tripling the contribution of renewable energy and earmarks an investment of AED 150 to 200 billion by 2030. Acknowledging the critical impacts of climate change, the UAE is committed to diversifying its energy sources; this involves an integrated approach that combines renewable, nuclear, and clean energy sources, including solar and green hydrogen. In a significant update this year, the UAE revised its renewables capacity target, increasing it to 14.2 GW by 2030, up from the current 3.7 GW. The largescale decarbonisation project outlined within this MoU is setting a clear path to meeting this ambitious goal.

  • ENDS –

Note to the editors:

About LIBERTY Steel:

GFG Alliance is a collection of global businesses and investments owned by Sanjeev Gupta and his family. The Alliance is structured into three core industrial pillars; LIBERTY Steel Group, ALVANCE Aluminium Group and SIMEC Energy Group, independent of each other yet united through shared values and a purpose to create a sustainable future for industry and society. GFG Alliance employs 35,000 people, across 10 countries and has revenues of USD $20bn. GFG Alliance is a leader in sustainable industry with a mission to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 (CN30).  

www.libertysteelgroup.com

www.gfgalliance.com  

About AD Ports Group:

Established in 2006, AD Ports Group today serves as one of the world’s premier facilitators of logistics, industry, and trade, as well as a bridge linking Abu Dhabi to the world. Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: ADPORTS), AD Ports Group’s vertically integrated business approach has proven instrumental in driving the emirate’s economic development over the past decade.

Operating several clusters covering Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Maritime & Shipping, Logistics, and Digital, AD Ports Group’s portfolio comprises 30+ ports and terminals, and more than 550 square kilometres of economic zones within KEZAD Group, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping in the Middle East. 

AD Ports Group is rated A+ by S&P and A+ Outlook Stable by Fitch. 

For more information, please visit: adportsgroup.com  

Follow AD Ports Group on:

Celebrating Student Success: GFG Foundation’s Student Programme wraps up with Grand Final

GFG Foundation and LIBERTY Steel UK on June 20 celebrated the Grand Final of their student programme run in partnership with the Engineering Development Trust (EDT).  The sustainability-focused initiative spanned four months, over which time mentors from LIBERTY Steel UK guided students from four Rotherham and Sheffield schools as they worked on an environmental project.

The GFG Foundation launched its pilot Student Programme two years ago with the goal of helping young people develop their STEM and green industrial skills, solve real-world issues in their local communities and enable students to become job-ready after school.

Following a successful pilot in Rotherham in 2022, the programme doubled in size in 2023.  Nearly 40 students from Year 9 in four local schools—Wath Academy, Swinton Academy, High Storrs, and Sheffield High School for Girls—participated in the programme. The GFG Foundation students were mentored by eight professionals from LIBERTY Steel UK in collaboration with education partners, the Engineering Development Trust. They helped teach students effective teamwork, project management, data analysis, goal setting and how to achieve results.

Georgina Crumpton, GFG Alliance and GFG Foundation General Manager, expressed her enthusiasm about the programme’s growth, stating, “This is the second time that we’ve run a bespoke programme in the UK alongside our partners in EDT, and we are delighted that the programme has doubled in size following last year’s pilot. We will continue to look at ways in which we can learn and improve the programme.

Investing in future generations is something that we are passionate about at the GFG Foundation and it’s critical to a sustainable future. We believe that there are huge benefits to young people building real life experiences to help them navigate the ever changing, evolving industrial world.” 

Steve Shaw, Works Engineer for LIBERTY Speciality Steels, shared his positive experience as a mentor, saying, “This is the first time I’ve taken part as a mentor. And it’s been excellent, I really enjoyed it. It’s been great to get to know the students from High Storrs School. It’s great to see them getting interested in science and technology, so it’s been brilliant, and I’d definitely like to get involved again next year.”

Philip Barley, Mechanical Section Engineer for LIBERTY Speciality Steels, also expressed his satisfaction with the programme, drawing upon his prior experience working with a primary school as a governor. Philip found it rewarding to engage with students at comprehensive schools, especially in the context of engineering and STEM projects. He highlighted the fulfilment he experienced when witnessing the students’ enthusiasm and interest in the programme, particularly during the presentation phase.

The students themselves also shared their thoughts on the programme. The team from Sheffield High School for Girls described it as a fantastic experience, expressing their excitement about developing their dream rooftop garden and their hopes to bring it to life in the future. The Wath Academy team worked on making Meadowhall more eco-friendly, sustainable, and energy efficient. They were pleased with the interesting ideas and solutions they generated during the project, even reaching out to Meadowhall for information. The team expressed their desire to continue working together and furthering their experiences in similar initiatives.

Drawing the event to a close, Georgina announced that the GFG Foundation would continue the programme in South Yorkshire in the upcoming academic year, ensuring that the initiative’s impact persists. The GFG Foundation Student Programme has proven to be a resounding success, fostering young talents, promoting sustainability, and equipping students with valuable skills to thrive in the ever-changing industrial landscape.

InfraBuild closes USD350m Senior Secured Asset-Backed Term Loan

  • InfraBuild closes a USD350m Asset-Backed Term Loan led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock and Silver Point Finance.
  • The InfraBuild business has maintained its strong financial performance through the first three quarters of its 2023 fiscal year.

InfraBuild has today announced the closing of a USD350 million Asset-Backed Term Loan, the proceeds of which will enable the business to pursue its growth objectives, including its potential  acquisition of steel assets in the United States currently owned by  GFG Alliance.

InfraBuild has maintained its strong financial performance through the first three quarters of its 2023 fiscal year and the successful financing is an important achievement to facilitate the continued growth of the business.

InfraBuild is Australia’s largest vertically integrated steel long manufacturer with recycling, manufacturing and distribution operations across the country.

InfraBuild is continuing to explore various additional financing alternatives, the proceeds of which would be used together with Asset-Backed Term Loan proceeds, to further drive its growth and potential acquisition of steel assets in the US.

Jefferies LLC acted as sole arranger on the Asset-Backed Term Loan, which was led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock and Silver Point Finance.

InfraBuild Interim CEO and Managing Director Dak Patel said:

“This financing provides strategic capital to InfraBuild, which will enable us to continue to grow our business and service a customer base which spans the infrastructure, commercial and residential construction, agriculture and mining markets,” Mr Patel said.

“The business has continued to perform strongly throughout this financial year and the Asset-Backed Term Loan provides us with capital to focus on strategic initiatives to strengthen operations and capitalise on the growing demand for lower carbon sustainable steel as we continue the momentum we’ve built in recent years.”

Notes:

  • *The potential acquisition includes:
    • Keystone Consolidated Industries (KCI), comprising an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), rolling mill and wire mill at Steel and Wire (Peoria), mesh manufacturing sites from Engineered Wire Products (Ohio and New Mexico)
    • Johnstown Wire Technologies (Pennsylvania and Ohio)
    • Georgetown steelworks (South Carolina)

Media Contacts

Matt Johnston – Head of Communications and Brand Australia – 0438 294 377 or matt.johnston@gfgalliance.com

David Ollier – Global Head of Communications – (UK) +44 7850018553
(UAE) +971 501407382 or David.Ollier@gfgalliance.com

LIBERTY reaches agreement in principle with creditors on global debt restructuring

LIBERTY Steel Group (“LIBERTY”)’s Restructuring and Transformation Committee (RTC) today announces that LIBERTY has signed a term sheet subject to contract on an agreement in principle (“the Agreement”) for a debt restructuring with parties responsible for the main creditors of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited, Greensill Bank AG and Credit Suisse Asset Management (Switzerland) Limited (“the Creditors”), a major step in the Group’s refinancing.

LIBERTY and Greensill Bank as main creditors are in the process of negotiating a similar term sheet for the debt restructuring of LIBERTY’s European steel businesses.

The Agreement remains subject to documentation and the respective internal approvals. All parties will now work to prepare and execute the Agreement, providing LIBERTY with the platform to develop longer term sustainable financing. Under the agreement, the parties have adjourned the winding up petitions against LIBERTY entities.

The Agreement will allow LIBERTY to further advance its GREENSTEEL strategy and industry leading ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Jeffrey Kabel, Chief Transformation Officer, LIBERTY Steel Group said:  

“After several months of negotiations, we have now reached an agreement in principle that will provide recovery for the Creditors and will significantly deleverage and derisk LIBERTY.  This is a major step forward in our restructuring and transformation and we will now work at pace with the Creditors to prepare and execute the Agreement.”

Notes

– Incorporates all major Greensill creditors; Credit Suisse Asset Management, Greensill Bank and Greensill Capital (UK) Limited.  

– Repayment will be made through a combination of lump sum, scheduled and bullet repayments.

David Ollier Global Head of Communications+44 7596 297773David.Ollier@gfgalliance.com
Andrew Mitchell Head of Communications – UK  +44 7516 029522Andrew.Mitchell@gfgalliance.com
Patrick Toyne-Sewell Head of Communications – Europe+44 7767 498195Patrick.toyne-sewell@gfgalliance.com

Rotherham students celebrate graduation from GFG Foundation green job skills programme

Students from two local Rotherham schools celebrated their achievements at a ceremony at Sheffield Hallam University on 27 June, after they completed an educational programme that develops their skills for the growing green jobs market – the first of its kind in Rotherham. The programme was launched in March this year by GFG Foundation, which focuses on the educational needs of young people in industrial communities.

20 students from Wath Academy and St. Bernard’s Catholic School are the first in the UK to graduate from the 14-week programme pilot, which focused on sustainability and is designed to benefit the local community. At the ceremony, the students presented a project called ‘A Renewable Rotherham’, which they have worked on with mentors from LIBERTY Steel’s Rotherham site, in collaboration with partners Engineering Development Trust.

All students received an industry-accredited Industrial Cadet Award, with a small number of students selected by mentors as excelling throughout the programme receiving an ‘Outstanding Achievement Awards’.

Claire Neilson, Manager of the GFG Foundation in the UK, said: “Today marks a very special day and an opportunity to celebrate the next generation of bright minds in Rotherham. When we launched the programme in March, we saw great development potential in the students and their appetite to learn about sustainability and core life skills. Their growth and performance have exceeded our expectations, supported by the dedication of the workplace mentors from LIBERTY Steel Rotherham. We look forward to using insights from this pilot to improve the programme even further and bring this opportunity to more young people.”