Three engineers from Birmingham have been recognised for their commitment to vocational learning as part of the In-Comm Training Annual Awards.
More than 250 people packed into the Bescot Stadium in Walsall to recognise 11 rising stars of manufacturing that are helping West Midlands companies grow and sustain the economic recovery.
Taking the plaudits on the night was B Mason & Sons’ Jake Edwards (Adult Learner of the Year – Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies) and Lewis Ward of Sulzer Dowding & Mills, who was named Apprentice Learner of the Year – Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies after impressing bosses with his ability to combine study with being a team player.
Truflo Marine’s Marcus Thomas was a double winner on the evening, securing the ‘Apprentice of the Year – Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies’ Award, as well as Darlaston Rotary Club’s ‘Most Improved Apprentice’ title.
The apprentice was singled out for his personal growth this year that has seen him go from a shy person who didn’t speak much to a confident and important member of the team, with an appetite to learn new things every day.
“It is extremely important that we continue to raise the profile of vocational learning and give it the same profile as other educational routes – our awards play a small role in achieving this,” explained Rebecca Phillips of In-Comm Training and Business Services. “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.”
She continued: “Birmingham has come away with three of the awards and all the learners and their companies should be very proud of their achievements.”
Guests at the In-Comm Annual Awards were treated to keynote speeches from Truflo Marine Valves and Moog Aircraft Group, the latter detailing how Andrew Hughes had risen from an Apprentice to Director of Programmes at just 32 years-old, now helping China deliver its first significant commercial aircraft.
Other award winners on the evening included:
• Michael George (Fellows Ltd) – ‘The Peter Wood Memorial Award for Outstanding Learner of the Year’
• AlphaDrive Engineering Services – Employer of the Year
• Anne Churchwood (Moog Aircraft Group): Learner of the Year – Business Improvement Techniques
• Hannah Williams (CPE GB): Apprentice of the Year – Business Support
• Gary Drohan (Merseyside Galvanising): Learner of the Year – Advanced Supervisory Management
• Liam Dixon (Norgren): Apprentice of the Year – Intermediate Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies
• Tina Hawthorn (Sirus Automotive): Adult Learner of the Year – Business Support
• Khaled Miah (Metsec): Learner of the Year – Intermediate Supervisory Management
• Keri Whaley (Sirus Automotive) – Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year
Rebecca continued: “The Awards are only made possible by some great organisations sponsoring the different categories. These include Bradken, Charter Automotive, City of Wolverhampton College, Made in the Midlands, Polymer Training & Innovation Centre, Rical Group, Salop Design and Engineering and Wedge Group.”
In-Comm has been offering industry and commerce a wide range of training and business solutions for over 31 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 academy.
For further information, please contact Gareth Jones on 01922 457686 or visit www.in-comm.co.uk. You can also follow them on facebook and twitter at @incomm_training
