JLH Visit to British Steel

Students from our John Leggott Humber (JLH) site recently had the fantastic opportunity to visit British Steel in Scunthorpe as part of National Manufacturing Day, an event organised by Make UK to celebrate and showcase the vital role of manufacturing in the UK economy.

Our JLH site is designed to give students a fresh start and a solid foundation in gaining their core qualifications, while also offering meaningful, hands-on work-based experiences. With a strong focus on the engineering and manufacturing sectors, and in partnership with HETA (Humberside Engineering Training Association), our programme encourages students to aim high, build confidence, and take that important next step towards a successful and fulfilling career in engineering.

The visit to British Steel provided an incredible insight into the scale, innovation, and expertise that drives one of the region’s most iconic industries. Students began the day learning about the rich history of British Steel, understanding its contribution to both local communities and the wider national economy. They then explored the vast range of career pathways available within the company - from engineering and technology to logistics, operations and sustainability.

A highlight of the day was the tour of the Rod Mill, where students witnessed the impressive process of wire rod production up close. They were fascinated by the precision, skill and teamwork involved in creating materials that are used across countless industries worldwide. The visit also included engaging demonstrations, question-and-answer sessions with experienced British Steel employees and discussions about the company’s exciting journey toward becoming a cleaner, greener and more sustainable steelmaker.

British Steel’s HR Director, Nick Ashton, shared his thoughts on the event:

“National Manufacturing Day is a superb opportunity to demonstrate the importance of businesses like British Steel to the UK economy, and the exciting careers we offer. It has been a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming more people into the company as we undertake our transformation into a clean, green, and sustainable steelmaker.”

The day proved to be a valuable and inspiring experience for our students, many of whom are now even more motivated to pursue engineering and manufacturing pathways. It was a perfect example of how education and industry partnerships can help young people discover real opportunities and build the skills needed for the future.

A huge thank you to British Steel for opening their doors and providing such a memorable and educational experience for our JLH students. We look forward to continuing to collaborate on work based opportunities for our learners.