Fourth-Generation Steelworker Excels at UWTSD while leading the Next Generation of Sustainable Steelmaking
Joseph Tobin, a BEng Materials Science and Engineering Degree Apprentice at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), is combining academic excellence with hands-on industry leadership at Tata Steel UK, marking him as one of the most promising young professionals in the UK’s manufacturing and engineering sector.
At just 25 years old, Joseph has already achieved a remarkable career trajectory, joining as a laboratory apprentice at 16, to now serving as a Production Specialist and Deputy Production Manager at the company’s Llanwern site. Supporting the management of a 100-person department that includes the state-of-the-art Automotive Finishing Line, as well as coil despatch and receipt activities, Joseph plays a key role in advancing process efficiency, safety, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
A fourth-generation steelworker from Port Talbot, Joseph’s connection to the industry runs deep.
“Steelmaking has been part of my family for generations,” he says. “I’ve grown up surrounded by it, and I’m passionate about continuing that legacy, but also about driving it forward into a greener, more innovative future.”
Joseph chose to study the course at UWTSD to deepen his technical understanding and strengthen his career foundations.
“The course offered the perfect balance between academic theory and practical application,” he explains. “It’s directly relevant to my work in the steel industry and has helped me link classroom learning with real industrial challenges.”
Among the highlights of his studies has been completing a Six Sigma Green Belt project focused on reducing metallurgical rework in production, a project that delivered measurable savings for Tata Steel and demonstrated his ability to apply data-driven problem-solving in a live manufacturing environment.
Joseph has also used Arena simulation software to model and optimise coil packing operations, directly translating academic work into operational improvement.
“Modules like management and manufacturing systems really stood out,” he says. “They taught me how to use analytical tools to improve processes, something I now apply daily in my professional role.”
Beyond his studies, Joseph has made significant contributions to the wider engineering community. During his time as Chair of Tata Steel’s Young Professionals Network, he led initiatives connecting early-career engineers across the UK and organised a 100-person symposium on the transition to green steelmaking, attended by CEOs and directors from major customers, including Jaguar Land Rover.
His current dissertation research examines the effect of raised residual elements in electric-arc-furnace-produced galvanised steels, a topic directly tied to Tata Steel’s ongoing transformation toward sustainable, low-CO₂ steelmaking.
Joseph also serves as a trustee of the Richard Burton 10K charity, a Port Talbot community event with strong family ties, and he has presented technical work through the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), where he also aims to achieve professional chartership in the near future.
Reflecting on his experience at UWTSD, Joseph says: “This degree has strengthened both my technical knowledge and leadership skills. It’s given me confidence to take on complex challenges and to see the bigger picture of where the steel industry is heading.”
Joseph plans to complete a NEBOSH qualification, pursue further Lean and project management training, and progress onto an MSc in Lean Manufacturing. His long-term goal is to continue leading within the sector, driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in UK steelmaking.
“Studying while managing large-scale operations hasn’t been easy,” he adds. “But it’s shown me what’s possible with the right balance of discipline, support, and ambition. I’m proud to represent UWTSD and the steel community that shaped me.”
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071