Materials Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Summary

The Technical function conducts metallurgical investigations to support two primary goals. Firstly, the development of new products and new business to ensure Liberty Speciality Steels has a sustainable future; and secondly, identifying metallurgical improvements to reduce cost, improve product quality and enhance customer service.

Wage

£14,330 a year

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Your salary will increase annually. The current rates for our engineering apprenticeships are: Year 2 - £18980 Year 3 - Dependent on age Year 4 – Dependent on age

Training course

Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)

Hours

Liberty Steels operates over 24hrs and seven days a week. Applicants should be prepared to work shifts which can include weekend working. Shift allowances are paid on top of basic salaries.

36 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Liberty Speciality Steels produces a wide range of carbon, alloy and stainless steels for applications in the aerospace, oil & gas, industrial bearings, automotive and other high-integrity engineering markets. Technical activities include:

Interpreting customer and end-user requirements
Technical commissioning of new equipment
Revising manufacturing processes
Conducting capability reviews

All in the pursuit of manufacturing high-quality products.

Technical excellence is at the heart of everything we do, underpinning areas including customer service, production, quality assurance, laboratory management, non-destructive testing and order recruitment.

Metallurgical knowledge is acquired through on-the-job training. Technical roles are broadly categorised as product development, process development and research. Some roles are generalist and others specialist in nature. Whichever remit you favour, you will find yourself working alongside Technical, Commercial, Supply Chain and Production colleagues.

Where you’ll work

7 Fox Valley Way
Stocksbridge
Sheffield
S36 2JA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Your training course

Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.

Your training plan

The degree award is BEng (Hons) Materials Technology
You will attend Sheffield Hallam University on a series of short study blocks

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level or equivalent in:

Maths, Science or Engineering (grade BBC / Distinction Merit Merit)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

Your Degree Apprenticeship will be based between our Rotherham and Stocksbridge sites where you will be placed in Technical attachment areas. It will also require you to travel to Sheffield Hallam University during term time in order to study a degree in Material Engineering.

About this company

LIBERTY is a global steel and mining business with a rolling capacity of over 20 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), a liquid steel capacity of over 14mtpa and has around 30,000 employees and contractors based in more than 200 locations worldwide. The company has an integrated business model and production ranges from liquid steel, made from raw and recycled materials, through to high value, precision engineered steels. LIBERTY’s products are used in a range of important industrial sectors including construction, oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, rail and infrastructure. Its steels are manufactured in a variety of grades and specifications to comply with national and international quality certifications – and to meet stringent customer specifications. Founded in 1992 by Executive Chairman and CEO, Sanjeev Gupta, LIBERTY was a commodity trading house before moving into manufacturing in 2015 with the restructuring and reopening of a steel mill in Newport, Wales (UK). Today, LIBERTY’s commodities team source raw materials, market production output and maximise the value of its businesses. Since 2015, LIBERTY has embarked on a series of acquisitions and development programmes that have transformed the business and created a global force in steel. LIBERTY is now the 8th largest steel manufacturer globally (excluding China).

Company benefits

• 35 days holiday per year running April to March (pro rata for those starting in September) • Up to a combined 16% pension contribution

After this apprenticeship

Excellent opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team in a rapidly expanding company with exciting development opportunities
As well as academic study, you will get a variety of hands-on training opportunities in the workplace, which will support your End Point Assessment, which is required as part of this apprenticeship. This programme is an ideal blend of classroom and ‘on-the- job’ experience
At the end of your programme, you will be ready for a permanent job within the organisation

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