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Situated in Cargo Fleet Offices, the beautifully restored landmark building that resonates the history of steel making throughout Teesside, is Altrad, a global business operating in over 50 countries and employing 52,000 people worldwide.

Initially founded in France in 1985 as a scaffolding manufacturer, Altrad has evolved over the last 30 years, adding a multitude of key industrial support services to its roster including welding, fabrication, access and insulation.

Although a global player, recently acquiring engineering contractor giant Doosan Babcock, the company has a large presence throughout Teesside and is dedicated to ensuring industry in the region continues to thrive throughout the generations.

Karl Bramwell, VP of onshore operations said: “From someone who is born and bred in the area, it’s great to see the regeneration projects, funding and investment that is taking place on Teesside. As a company, we are trying to showcase this and make industry exciting for the younger generation in the area.”

Their support for future industry leaders is evident in their actions, having sponsored the Young Achiever of the Year Award at our NEPIC Annual Industry Awards the past 16 years.

Speaking on why Altrad sponsor this category each year, Karl goes on to say: “We believe it’s important to support the younger generation who are just starting out in the industry and see them recognised for the amazing work they are undertaking.

“It’s humbling to judge the category and see the calibre of the entrants. It’s not only what these young people are doing within their workplace, but also outside the workplace to push forward our sector. We need to shout about these achievements so more young people can see the vast opportunities within STEM careers.”

The awards are just a small part of their mission in the area, as the business is also working hard to tackle the skills gap on Teesside and further afield.

Karl explains: “Our industry is suffering from a skills shortage, so we have collaborated with other industry leaders in the region and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) to help employees and businesses alike.

“We are trying to broaden the scope of people we can access and look at how we can encourage individuals who wouldn’t usually consider this route to take up careers in industry.

“The work we have undertaken in the last twelve months now means the ECITB can give individuals the training and skills needed preemployment, through a twelve-week programme that enables them to come into the industry and hit the ground running.”

“We have already seen clients such as EDF, SABIC and Venator getting involved. If it continues to be a success, we hope to replicate the model and roll it to other areas across the UK.”

Discussing their history in being a long-standing supporter of NEPIC, Karl stated: “Along with ourselves, most of our clients in the region are members. It’s because NEPIC provides a common thread throughout all the companies within industry on Teesside, delivering us with a forum to network with likeminded organisations, and a platform to be able to speak to contractors and suppliers directly.

“They provide a space for collaboration, where great ideas are formed between businesses who are all working towards one common goal: to make the North East a great place to live and work.”

If you would like to discover out more about Altrad, you can find them in our online directory here.

Individual tickets and company tables are also still available for our Annual Industry Awards on 24 March at Hardwick Hall Hotel, find out how to book here.