Lord Richard Harrington will become the new chair of Make UK, succeeding Lord John
Hutton, who has chaired the organisation since 2022. With a distinguished career in both
business and government, Lord Harrington brings a wealth of experience and a deep
commitment to the manufacturing sector. He will officially take on the role early this year.
“I’m delighted to take up this appointment at such an important moment for
manufacturing,” he says. “I’m passionate about the sector and its contribution to the overall
UK economy, and how it will help address the societal challenges we all face.” Make UK
chief executive Stephen Phipson adds: “Richard is a committed and passionate supporter of
manufacturing and its importance to the economy and regions across the UK.”
More information www.makeuk.org

Applications are now open for the 2025 apprenticeship scheme at Sellafield Ltd. With both apprenticeships and degree schemes available covering a wide range of disciplines from mechanical engineering to nuclear operations, opportunities are offered in both Cumbria and Warrington.

Sellafield says the positions provide first-class training supported by on-the-job learning, ensuring apprentices are well-equipped for their future careers. All apprentices have the chance to pursue a qualification relevant to their chosen field by studying with selected high-level training providers across the country. The duration of each programme varies from 2 to 4 years. There is no upper age limit for applicants.

More information www.bit.ly/4faPkIr

Since 2002, the facilities of Vestas on the Isle of Wight have played an integral role in the
manufacture of turbine blades for wind projects across the world. At present, the
company’s factory focuses on manufacturing blades for the V174 offshore turbine. Demand
for this product is coming to an end, and constraints at the site mean it is not suitable for
the next generation of offshore blades. However, following an agreement in principle with
the UK Government, Vestas intends to repurpose the factory to build onshore blades,
mainly in support of the UK market.
More information www.vestas.com

The first steel has been cut for the UK’s newest warship, HMS Sheffield, at BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard in Glasgow. 27-year-old apprentice fabricator burner, Michael Miller, carried out the ceremonial act. It marked the official start of construction on the fifth of eight ‘city class’ vessels and is a significant milestone for the programme and British shipbuilding as a whole.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, attended the ceremony alongside a range of senior dignitaries from the UK Government, armed forces and industrial partners. All eight Type 26 frigates will be built on the Clyde, with the work sustaining nearly 2000 jobs in Scotland and 4000 jobs across the wider UK maritime supply chain for decades to come.

More information www.baesystems.com