GENERAL NEWS
Metal Expo Istanbul hits the spotlight
International steel producers, trading companies and technology providers will gather once again at Metal Expo Istanbul, which will be held for the eighth time from 16 – 18 September 2026 at the Istanbul Expo Centre in Turkey.
Bringing together steel products, production technologies, service centres and international trade networks under one roof, the exhibition aims to host industry professionals from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia, alongside participants from Turkey.
“ Positioned as more than just a product showcase, Metal Expo Istanbul serves as a strategic meeting point for the global steel industry, where new commercial partnerships are established and international collaborations take shape. The exhibition will feature a broad product spectrum including tool steels; stainless steels; sheet products; structural steels; profiles and pipes, as well as special alloy steels, offering purchasing professionals and industrial buyers a comprehensive sourcing platform,” said show organiser, Sky Trade Fairs.
“ Benefiting from Istanbul and Turkey’ s
strategic position at the crossroads of international trade, the event continues to attract strong industry interest, with nearly 75 % of the exhibition space already booked,” it added.
The exhibition is expected to welcome professional visitors from a wide range of manufacturing industry sectors including construction; machinery manufacturing; automotive; mould-making; defence and aerospace; industrial kitchen equipment; elevator systems and electrical panel production.
“ Metal Expo Istanbul will also host a comprehensive conference programme as a knowledge platform for the steel industry. Key topics such as carbon regulations, sustainable production, global regulatory developments and emerging technologies will be discussed by industry leaders, experts and decision-makers. As global supply chains continue to evolve, Metal Expo Istanbul aims to strengthen trade connections and create new opportunities for the international steel community in one of the world’ s most strategically located cities,” concluded Sky Trade Fairs. n
www. metalexpo. com. tr
BAE Systems trains record numbers in UK
BAE Systems in the UK( offering defence, aerospace and security solutions) has reached a record achievement with more than 6,800 young people in training across its UK operations. This figure, which includes approximately 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates, underlines its commitment to developing the next generation of British talent.
“ Since 2020, we have recruited more than 10,000 apprentices and graduates and invested over £ 1 billion in education and skills, strengthening the UK’ s industrial skills base while contributing to local and national economic development. In 2026, BAE Systems expects to recruit more than 1,100 apprentices in the UK, with most roles based in the North of England, alongside other opportunities in the South of England, Scotland and Wales,” it said.
“ We also plan to hire close to 1,200 graduates and undergraduates, offering
Cheyenne, a steelwork apprentice at BAE Systems’ Submarines business. opportunities to work on some of the world’ s most advanced defence and security programmes. These highly skilled individuals will contribute to projects of significant international importance, including the Global Combat Air Programme, the UK’ s next-generation SSN-AUKUS submarines and Type-26 frigates alongside disruptive technologies such as cyber, space and drone capabilities,” it added.
BAE Systems’ investment has enabled the creation of three multi-million-pound skills academies in Barrow, Glasgow and Samlesbury over recent years, which upskill thousands of employees each year to maintain the advanced STEM capabilities critical to the UK’ s sovereign defence. The company also has a range of partnerships with colleges, universities and social mobility champions, like the‘ Movement to Work’ charity. With more than 60 programmes
available across the company in the UK, there are opportunities at levels ranging from steelwork and engineering to cyber security, software development, finance and project management.
“ Building on our Strategic Defence Review, the [ UK ] government is committed to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, driving defence as an engine for growth by supporting businesses big and small and creating opportunities for young people across the UK,” said Luke Pollard MP, UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.
In 2025, almost 30 % of the company’ s new apprentice starters were female, compared to 17 % in the wider UK engineering and technology sector. Applications for the company’ s 2026 apprenticeship intake are now closed. There are multiple graduate intakes over the year.
Find out more and apply on: https:// careers. baesystems. com / studentsgraduates-and-career-changers n
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. baesystems. com
8 | ismr. net | ISMR April 2026