Career development programme

Here at Sheffield Forgemasters we invest in our people at every level. From apprentices to graduates, full-time employees to experienced staff, and to our business leaders.

We’re committed to supporting career development at every stage, with opportunities for all employees to learn, grow and progress. From apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships to regular training through our brand-new learning platform, everyone has access to development that fits their role and ambitions. Read more about our career development programme below.

IGNITE programme

What is the IGNITE leadership programme?

This is our internal leadership development programme for all first line managers. The programme has been created by our internal People Development team, in partnership with our external experts, in order to create a rounded and beneficial experience.

It offers a benchmark and base level of knowledge for all people managers across all areas of the business. All members of the executive team have also contributed to ensure the programme aligns to our organisation’s values.

IGNITE is for first line managers whether newly promoted, recently hired, or already managing people.
You’ll build a solid foundation for leading teams, learn core behaviours expected of people managers, and gain confidence through shared learning with others across the business.

IGNITE runs over six months with seven face-to-face modules in mixed cohorts. It follows a 70/20/10 approach, combining structured sessions, peer learning, and on-the-job experience.

ACCELERATE programme

What is the ACCELERATE leadership programme?

This is our internal leadership development programme for all middle managers, including functional managers and those leading first line managers. The programme has been created by our internal People Development team, in conjunction with some external experts in order to create a rounded and beneficial experience. It offers a benchmark and base level of knowledge for all people managers across all areas of the business. All members of the executive team have also contributed to ensure the programme aligns to our organisation’s values.

ACCELERATE is for our middle managers, including those leading first line managers or running functional areas of the business.

The programme builds leadership skills for managing wider teams. You’ll gain practical tools, develop consistent behaviours, and learn alongside peers from across the business to strengthen how you lead and support performance.
ACCELERATE runs over six months with seven face-to-face modules delivered in cross-functional cohorts. It follows the 70/20/10 learning model: 10% taught, 20% through peer learning, and 70% through experience in the role.

Invest in Your Growth, From Day One with our New E-Learning Platform

When you join our team, your learning doesn’t stop at onboarding. We offer employees access to a robust e-learning platform featuring a wide range of internal courses – from technical skills to leadership development – so you can keep growing throughout your career with us. Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or explore a new direction, we make it easy to invest in yourself while doing meaningful work. Because we believe your development shouldn’t end when you get the job – it should just be getting started.

Get in touch about your next career

Take the next step and discover how your skills can shape the future of heavy engineering in a business that prioritises your success and wellbeing.

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