Training
INVESTING IN PEOPLE. BUILDING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE.
As part of our £1.3 billion recapitalisation, Sheffield Forgemasters is investing in people as much as plant.
Alongside major upgrades to equipment and infrastructure, we’re building the skills needed to operate next-generation machines, work to nuclear-grade standards, and support long-term growth in defence and civil nuclear manufacturing.
This includes a new 6,700 sq ft on-site training facility equipped with 18 high-spec machines, plus a four-year partnership with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre. Together, these developments underpin a hands-on, future-focused training model – one designed to move our workforce from traditional methods to advanced digital machining, and to secure the specialist expertise our work demands.
A new hub for learning
The Aegis Training and Development Facility sits at the centre of how training works here. Based in the refurbished former offices on the Brightside Lane site, it’s a dedicated space built to support real learning for our workforce.
It brings training out of the classroom and closer to the shop floor, giving apprentices, graduates and employees access to modern, high-tech equipment, on-site mentor support and clear routes to develop their skills as the business continues to grow.
A new hub for learning
The Aegis Training and Development Facility sits at the centre of how training works here. Based in the refurbished former offices on the Brightside Lane site, it’s a dedicated space built to support real learning for our workforce.
It brings training out of the classroom and closer to the shop floor, giving apprentices, graduates and employees access to modern, high-tech equipment, on-site mentor support and clear routes to develop their skills as the business continues to grow.
A culture of continuous growth
The Aegis Training and Development Facility isn’t just for apprentices or new starters. It supports ongoing training for people already working across the site, giving them the space and support to learn new skills as equipment, processes and ways of working change.
As new machinery and facilities are introduced, constant training moves alongside them, so that we can hit the ground running when we move into our new state-of-the-art facilities at the end of the decade.
"The launch of our new training and development facility marks a significant step-change in the skills that we can deliver. We are now able to prepare trainees for the next generation of machines and operating systems... creating a highly focused engineering facility for the world's most complex nuclear grade forgings and castings."
Jay Shaw, Head of Machine Shops
INVESTING IN PEOPLE.
BUILDING SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE.
Career Development Programme
Here at Sheffield Forgemasters we invest in our people at every level. From apprentices, graduates, full-time employees, experienced staff 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, alongside dedicated leadership programmes, which you can read about more on this page.
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 for all who attend.
It offers a benchmark and 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 and behaviours.
Who attends IGNITE?
What do attendees get out of the programme?
Attendees 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.
How is the programme delivered?
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.
Who attends ACCELERATE?
ACCELERATE is for our middle managers, including those leading first line managers or running functional areas of the business.
What do attendees get out of the programme?
How is the programme delivered?
University & industrial placements
We work closely with universities to help students move from study into real engineering environments. Our industrial placement and graduate roles give students the chance to apply what they’ve learned to live projects, working alongside experienced technical and research teams at Sheffield Forgemasters.
It’s a practical way to apply engineering knowledge to live projects within real manufacturing environments, and for many, it becomes the first step into a permanent role after graduation.
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you are a school leaver looking for an apprenticeship, a graduate seeking your first role, or an experienced professional looking to develop further, there is a place for you here at Sheffield Forgemasters. Join us in our most exciting period yet!
