Project supports Welsh steel sector

The Welsh steel industry has been given a boost by a £7m initiative designed to promote the development of technology and provide high-level skills training in the region.

The Steel Training Research and Innovation Partnership (STRIP) project has been formed by the Welsh Assembly Government to support universities and colleges in delivering advanced engineering projects that will benefit the steel industry and its supply chain.

Led by Swansea University alongside Bangor, Cardiff and Glyndwr universities, the programme will focus on the next generation of functional steel materials by promoting collaboration between graduates and industry to address specific company needs.

Speaking at the launch of the project yesterday, education minister Jane Hutt said: ‘The STRIP project will deliver tomorrow’s steel technologists and equip people working in the industry with new skills and knowledge.

‘I am delighted that this project will harness the world-class assets in universities and leading companies – and provide the extra impetus provided by our management of European funds where we are committed to focus on vital sectors of the Welsh economy.’