The achievements of some of the best young apprentices and adult learners in the West Midlands were in the spotlight last week as the In-Comm Training Annual Awards came to a glittering finale.

More than 250 people packed into the Bescot Stadium in Walsall to recognise 16 rising stars of engineering and manufacturing that are helping local companies grow at home and abroad.

Taking the main plaudits on the night was Tyler Groves, who was named as ‘The Peter Wood Outstanding Learner of the Year’ after impressing bosses at Birmingham-based Truflo Marine.

The Advanced Apprentice is an important part of the team, excelling in completing tasks and showing his initiative to offer solutions to shop floor issues.

He was joined on stage by Wednesbury-based Bradken UK’s John Clark, who received the ‘Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year’ for his desire to take on new processes and procedures to develop both himself and other workers.

In-Comm Training and Business Services’ Rebecca Phillips picked up the story: “We are committed to developing the next generation of workers and also helping existing engineers improve their skills so they can tackle new challenges and seek promotion.

“These awards are designed to promote the achievements of individuals who are striving to be the best they can be and the importance of Apprenticeships in making this happen and giving companies the skills they need to compete.”

She continued: “Some of the awards are also for the employers, who, without them, none of this would be possible. They have to show a certain level of time and financial commitment to give their staff these opportunities.

“2013 has definitely been the best yet, both in terms of the volume of entries and their outstanding quality.”

Guests at the In-Comm Annual Awards were treated to a personal address from Skills Minister Matthew Hancock, whilst Councillor Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, presented the trophies to the winners.

These included ‘Employer of the Year’ to B Mason and Sons and a special award from Darlaston Rotary Club in memory of Doug Bridgwood, a local engineer who died last year.

This accolade went to Bradken UK’s Daniel Thompson to recognise his passion for the industry and his ability to influence and motivate other apprentices.

Other winners included:

• Shaun Goffin (Fablink UK): Adult Learner of the Year – Supervisory Management
• Stuart Botfield (Titan Steel Wheels): Adult Learner of the Year – Business Improvement Techniques
• Michael Nickless (JH Richards & Co): Adult Learner of the Year – Engineering and Manufacturing
• Bradken UK Limited: Employer of the Year Adult Learning
• Daniel Crabtree (IDE Systems Ltd): Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Supervisory Management
• Simon Alleman (Sirus Automotive): Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Supervisory Management
• Luke Bryan (Apex Stainless Steel): Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Business Administration, Customer Service & IT User
• Joanne Collins (In-Comm Training): Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Business Administration, Customer Service & IT User
• Lee Pugh (A&W Precision Tools): Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
• Michael George (Fellows Ltd): Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
• Shane Bradley (H Bradley Engineering): Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – In-Comm Academy Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies
• Andrew Nicholls (Mayes & Warwick): Advanced Apprentice of the Year – In-Comm Academy Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies

Rebecca continued: “The Awards are only made possible by some great organisations sponsoring the different categories. These include Cooke Brothers, Polymer Training & Innovation Centre, Virtual College, Institute of Leadership and Management, Valen Fittings, Pro-Mill Engineering and City of Wolverhampton College.”

In-Comm has been offering industry and commerce a wide range of training and business solutions for over 30 years.

The firm has a proven track record of developing Engineering Apprentices through its range of specialist packages, starting with Bronze (delivered at the client’s premises) and culminating with Platinum, which involves 5 days training at its workshop and machining centre.

It also provides support in management development, health and safety, quality assurances, investors in people, business improvement techniques, lean manufacturing and specific skills courses.

For further information visit www.in-comm.co.uk.