Shropshire reigns supreme at the In-Comm Training Awards
Shropshire companies and apprentices stole the show at the recent In-Comm Training Awards, taking home six of the twelve prizes.
Magna Cosma Casting’s Marcelina Hrynkiewicz overcame the challenge of more than 120 of her peers to secure the Apprentice of the Year title in front of over 400 people in Birmingham on Friday.
Judges praised the Telford technician’s dedication and commitment to achieving personal and technical growth, as well as her natural leadership that is prevalent in the quality of projects she delivers.
She was joined on stage by local engineer Alexandaru Paunescu (Epson) who was named Most Improved Learner, whilst Jessica Wooldridge (HL Smith) and Nathan Bould (Hoshizaki) took the Foundation Engineering & Manufacturing - Telford and Higher Engineering & Manufacturing - Telford accolades respectively.
Backed by main sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) for the seventh time, the high-profile ceremony also saw Rheinmetall BAE Systems triumph in the Large Employer category.
Bekki Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at In-Comm Training, commented: “We are finally seeing vocational learning being given the credit it deserves, and this is starting to get through to young people, with 92% of school pupils now happy to consider an apprenticeship.
“And you can see why when you look at what this year’s Shropshire winners are achieving and the difference they are making to companies involved in aerospace, automotive, medical, motorsport, nuclear and defence.”
She continued: “Shouting louder about apprenticeships is why we set up these awards and why they continue to be the biggest competition of their type in the UK. It’s imperative we shine the light on young people, mentors and employers who are helping drive industry forward.”
This was the thirteenth year the In-Comm Training Awards have been held and gave over 90 finalists the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in front of their peers, mentors, and employers.
Other winners included:
- Caitlin Findlay (Penny Post Credit Union): Business Support
- Harry Galt (Mueller Europe): Foundation Engineering & Manufacturing – Aldridge
- Ben Speed (Assa Abloy): Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing – Aldridge
- Daniel Clinton (Beakbane): Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing - Telford
- Ashley Kimberley (Assa Abloy): Apprentice Champion of the Year
- Accura Engineering – SME Employer
Gareth Jones, Managing Director In-Comm Training, concluded: “We have enjoyed a record year when it comes to apprenticeship intakes and, encouragingly, we are seeing more interest from female engineers and those from more diverse backgrounds.
“As a training provider we are doing our bit, continually investing in our world class technical academies in Aldridge and Telford and building stronger partnerships with employers. With the possibility of a new Government imminent, we are urging whoever gets in power to take measures to boost their commitment to vocational learning both in the short and the long-term.”
The In-Comm Training Awards were made possible by headline sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) and other sponsors, including Assa Abloy, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Collins Aerospace, Crowe LLP, EAL, FBC Manby Bowdler, Gestamp, In-Comm TMG, MAGNA and the Peter Wood Memorial charity.
