Age: 21
Position: Finance Graduate
Location: Scunthorpe
University: University of Lincoln
Course: Business and Finance

Joshua Haywood is on our Graduate Programme in Finance. Josh has been with us for 4 months and has kindly given us an insight into his journey so far at British Steel.

What is your role and how long have you been in it? 

“I’m currently part of the finance department at British Steel, concentrating on the Construction business. I’ve currently been in this role for about 4 months and I’m based in Scunthorpe, however I do get opportunities to travel to different places such as Wolverhampton and Teesside.

“Since starting my job I’ve been given a variety of work and responsibilities. Within my role I undertake daily tasks such as revenue monitoring to ensure it all matches up with sales tonnage, and creating reports to identify which customers debts are overdue. I also undertake pricing and costing analysis to make sure the prices charged on our products are in line with costs and that costs are also reported accurately so we can produce accurate analysis and reports for the business leaders.

“Alongside these day-to-day tasks there are also jobs that need to be done on a monthly basis, such as month-end reporting. This includes gathering all the data from various places to accurately report the business’ result for the month. This includes balance sheet and profit statement reconciliations, ensuring everything balances with the underlying data.

“The project work I get involved in is generally around benefit analysis and investment appraisal. So in simple terms I investigate whether a project will add value financially or whether it may not be worth doing.” 

Why did you chose to work for British Steel?

“From having a background in finance and economics, I had a prior knowledge of the steel industry as it was often used as a case study at university. The market had always intrigued me and when I saw the position available I immediately got excited about possibly working in the industry for British Steel. 

“I was also excited to be able to work for a company that has shown resilience to overcome many challenges in its short time as British Steel. These environments are great to learn from and take with you as your career develops. 

“Another aspect was that the salary offered was significantly better than those of similar roles being advertised at the same time. 

“Once I had applied for the role the assessment centre also helped persuade me to take the job. The Early Careers Team made the process so straightforward, answering any questions before the day very quickly as well as making me feel at ease on the day of the assessment centre. I immediately felt welcome.” 

How they would describe the culture of British Steel and how you fit into it?

“I would describe the culture at British Steel as many things, but most of all refreshing. There is so much care about the employees, and everything is done with the employees in mind.

“There’s also health and safety at the heart of everything the business does. From when you first start in your induction, it’s drilled into you the importance of looking after yourself and others. If a job can’t be done safely it won’t be done at all.

“A continuous improvement culture is currently being embedded into the business. Every day is about improvement, growth and learning, and all ideas are taken into consideration. From a personal view, as long as I can keep improving day by day, with the help of the business, then anything is possible and we can achieve great things.

“I would also say it’s welcoming and friendly. From day one everyone makes time to talk to you, whether it’s about work or just wanting to know more about yourself. The majority of people you come into contact with seem to have a positive attitude and mindset which is often contagious.”

How do you think your role at British Steel will help with your future career goals?

“British Steel outlined in its job offer that it’s willing to invest in its employees and allow them to gain internationally recognised professional qualifications to further their knowledge and skillset. This is important in the world of finance and so far they have lived up to this statement.

“The opportunity of gaining a professional accountancy qualification, with help and funding from British Steel, will open new doors for me personally. It will also help me to move through the company and further my career, while giving back to the company at the same time.

“The internal set-up within British steel is also fantastic. Every graduate and placement student is given their own personal mentor and champion that they can chat to confidentially about any topic, at any time, whether it be work-related or personal. These mentors and champions already have the experience within the business to guide you through the early stages in your career, and allow you to grow both professionally and personally.”

What do you think the best thing about working for British Steel is?

“The best part about working for British Steel is the people. Everyone is always friendly, and always willing to help.

“My first 3 months were spent as part of the construction team. During this time I worked very closely to people from all kinds of backgrounds and disciplines, and having got to know most of them very well, there is always someone who is happy to lend a helping hand.”

What do you find most challenging about British Steel?

“So far, the most challenging part was having very little experience in the industry. At first, it was always tough to get into the conversations and know what to say right away. However, people don’t just expect you to know everything, so if ever there’s a problem, all you need to do is say so. When you need anything clarifying, if you ask someone they will be more than happy to help.”

Can you describe British Steel in 3 words

“If I could describe British Steel in 3 words, the first would be versatile. There are a lot of different scenarios in every job and it’s central to your role that you’re able to adapt your skills and mindset for every situation.

“The second word I would choose is interesting. Every day brings with it new processes, people and situations. I would like to think everyone at British Steel would describe their role as exciting because there’s just so much opportunity.

“The last word I would use to describe British Steel is developing. Both the business and its employees are growing in confidence and abilities. This role will definitely equip me for the future.”

Have you got any advice for people currently applying to work for British Steel?

“My advice for anyone wanting to apply for British Steel would be to read up about the company, and read the online hints, including the CV tips. Take your time and plan your answers for the video interview, and when on the assessment centre, just stay calm and relaxed, because its designed to get the best out of you, not trip you up, so try and enjoy the experience.”

Age: 25
Position at British Steel: Energy Specialist (third year at British Steel) 
Course: MEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering
University: Loughborough University

What attracted you to British Steel? 

I live locally and I’ve got family that work here, and I did a placement between my third and fourth year at university which I enjoyed. I knew that they’d be able to offer me quite a wide variety of positions by speaking to family who work here. 

What duties does your role include?

I’m on the implementation team for energy optimisation, so currently I’m facilitating implementation projects that could possibly save money within the company. Examples of these are upgrading kit and installing VSD’s (variable speed drives) which control the speed of motors, allowing them to slow down and save power instead of running at full speed unnecessarily. My favourite position so far was working at the Scunthorpe Rail Section Mill. When I was there I looked after day-to-day management of maintenance, such as ordering spare parts, organising the work for the next week, looking after the team, preparing for stock periods, and really just the general running of the plant electrically. 

How did your degree prepare you for your new position?

The project I did at university in my final year was how to design a patch antenna for clothes, so it didn’t really prepare me for the high end electrical side as here it’s mainly medium and high voltage, whereas that was more electronics and communication. However, the process that you go through to write a thesis, skills such as time and project management definitely came in handy and obviously it’s helpful knowing the theoretical basics before you go on to apply your knowledge practically.

What are your colleagues like?

Really friendly and supportive which is great, because when you’ve just started as a graduate you’ve just done all the theory side of everything and it can be a bit overwhelming, but they were all so eager to help me settle in. Like, for example, if they were going out to perform a task, they’d always come to me and say ‘Lucy, we’re just going out to do this, have you done it yet?” Basically they’d invite me to come along and learn things with them as they did it, which I thought was really good.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking of joining?

Get your application in in a timely manner, be enthusiastic, have a solid CV and just be open to everything!

What made you choose an apprenticeship with us?

At the time, I was working as an operator here on Appleby Frodingham Coke Ovens when I decided that I wanted a career change, I was working on my BTEC level 3 in engineering on my days off when this opportunity came up. I originally had an interview for the electrical apprenticeship but then received a phone call a couple of weeks later to come back and interview for the degree apprenticeship, which I was later offered a position. It’s a brilliant opportunity, as well as earning money I’m also receiving training that would usually cost thousands. In five years’ time, I will be a fully qualified electrical engineer.

What work have you been doing within the electrical degree apprenticeship?

Initially we began with the domestic side of electrics, learning about consumer units, MC’s and cable diversity. At the minute, I’m working on wiring within a panel simulating the sort of things we will be doing on site. I’ve just completed a traffic light circuit which was great figuring out how it all worked and the real-world applications it had. My next task will involve stripping a motor, testing it in order to see if it is safe for use and then re-building it. 

With regards to the “degree” side of the apprenticeship, it’s mostly theoretical work and calculations, although we have started working on small circuits in electrical principals, creating attenuators and measuring their values with an oscilloscope

What’s the structure of your degree apprenticeship like?

It’s five years altogether. I spend 4 days a week at the training centre and 1 day in college, which will all change come September. 

The HNC takes 2 years to complete, after which I’ll spend a year doing my HND, and then finally onto my Bachelor’s degree in years four and five. Alongside this I will also be working on plant taking part in six monthly rotations, learning my trade. 

What are your prospects of progressing after your apprenticeship?

Once I’ve finished my apprenticeship I hope to be taken on by British Steel. From here I will look to firstly becoming an incorporated engineer, then a chartered engineer which will hopefully show British Steel my commitment to the point where they might consider funding my master’s degree.

What advice would you give to any young people considering a career here?

I’d tell them what a great opportunity this was and that this kind of experience and training won’t be found anywhere else around here. It is a far better option that university and there are plenty of chances to progress within the company. The tutors have a great understanding of their individual trades and are very helpful. 

 “Safelincs is a company that offers new challenges every day, invests in training and reflects my own personal ambition and goals”

Following the completion of my degree in Business Studies in Nottingham and a year travelling Asia and Australia, I started my career with Safelincs as a Product Administrator, sourcing new products and services for our retail sites. Within a year I had progressed to Product Manager, hiring a new Product Administrator to assist me. As the company grew we took on a second Product Administrator to aid me with the ever evolving and rapidly growing portfolio of goods and services we offer.

In the summer of 2012 we decided to attempt pro-active selling and I began a part-time split role visiting customers face-to-face and attending events to represent Safelincs. 3 years on and my role is divided between leading the Product Department and heading up the Business Development Department continuing to be actively involved with both supplier and customer relations.

‘Talking to our customers means we find the best solutions for them by taking into account their specific needs.’