A New Venue For 2025
The British Motor Museum
For 2026, we took the celebrations to a new and inspiring location. The British Motor Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, with more than 400 classic and modern vehicles telling the story of Britain’s automotive innovation. Guests enjoyed private access to the museum during the evening, providing a unique setting for this year’s awards.
About The Evening
An Evening of Recognition, Inspiration & Connection
The run of the evening progressed as such:
1. Private Museum Access
Exploring the British Motor Museum and its collection of more than 400 vehicles.
2. Drinks Reception
The evening begun with a drinks reception inside the museum.
3. Fork Buffet
Guests enjoyed a relaxed fork buffet before the awards presentation begins.
4. The Awards Celebration...
Celebrating the achievements of apprentices, mentors and employers from across our community.
...The Recipients of Awards!
Our Winners Across The Categories
Each year, our awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent, development and dedication within the engineering apprenticeship community.
1. Apprentice of the Year
Recognising apprentices who have excelled throughout their training, demonstrating exceptional progress, commitment and technical skill.
Ali Khaled at Lucy Electric
"Ali is a dedicated and highly motivated apprentice with a genuine passion for engineering and continuous learning.
Since joining Lucy Electric, he has demonstrated exceptional growth in both confidence and technical capability.
Initially reserved, Ali has developed into a confident and articulate team member who consistently produces work to a standard well above expectations.
His strong attention to detail, proactive mindset and willingness to take initiative have made him a valued contributor across multiple departments.
Ali actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, identify risks and implement practical solutions, as demonstrated during his Health & Safety and Design Engineering rotations.
His ability to engage confidently with colleagues, contribute thoughtfully and mentor newer apprentices reflects a maturity beyond his experience.
His journey highlighted determination, professionalism and the potential to become a future leader within the engineering industry."
Judged and Presented by: Tom St John - The Manufacturer
2. Trevor Woodger Award For Progression
Recognising and celebrating a current or former apprentice who has made significant progress in their career to date.
Joint Winners:
Rachael O'Mara at EP Barrus
"Rachael is an exceptional example of dedication, progression and leadership within the engineering industry.
Since beginning her career as an apprentice, she has demonstrated remarkable growth in confidence, technical expertise and professional maturity.
Through her proactive mindset, strong work ethic and commitment to mentoring others, Rachael has progressed into a leadership role while continuing to drive improvements across workplace processes.
Her journey reflected resilience, ambition and a genuine passion for developing both herself and those around her."
Samuel Findlow at Lucy Electric
"Samuel has shown outstanding progression, developing from an apprentice into a highly capable Quality Engineer and valued member of his organisation.
Known for his strong technical knowledge, attention to detail and collaborative approach, Samuel plays a key role in maintaining quality standards and supporting complex projects, including international work.
His willingness to embrace challenges, support colleagues and continue his own learning makes him an inspiring role model for future engineers."
Judged and Presented by: Sarah Jaycock - The Engineering Trust Trustees
3. Above and Beyond Award
Recognising an apprentice mentor or manager who has consistently gone above and beyond for apprentices.
Matthew Bryant at Lucy Electric
"Matthew Bryant is an exceptional advocate for apprentices and has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the apprenticeship programme at Lucy Electric.
As an Early Careers Development Partner, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting apprentices from recruitment through to long-term career progression.
Matthew consistently goes above and beyond to ensure learners receive the guidance, structure and opportunities needed to succeed.
His work ranges from designing rotation plans and mentor training to providing ongoing personal support and career development advice.
His proactive approach, commitment to continuous improvement and genuine passion for developing future talent have had a lasting impact on apprentices and the wider organisation.
Matthew’s leadership, care for learners and tireless efforts make him a truly deserving recipient of the Above & Beyond Award."
Presented by: Helen Cannon - Intake Talent
Leah Bryan - Intake Talent
4. Apprentice Employer of the Year
Recognising and celebrating an employer’s commitment, contribution and dedication to their apprenticeship programme.
Ercol
"Ercol Furniture Ltd demonstrates an outstanding commitment to apprenticeships through its long-term investment in skills development, structured training and strong support systems for learners.
Apprentices are fully integrated into the organisation from day one, gaining real-world experience while benefiting from dedicated mentoring, flexible learning opportunities and clear progression pathways.
The programme spans multiple departments and qualification levels, ensuring both variety and inclusivity while actively supporting apprentices with additional learning needs.
By embedding apprenticeships into its workforce strategy, ercol has strengthened productivity, preserved specialist craftsmanship and created a sustainable pipeline of future talent.
Their dedication to nurturing skills, promoting industry awareness and championing career progression makes them a truly deserving recipient of the Apprentice Employer Award."
Presented by: Su Copeland - Priddey Marketing
Congratulations
Celebrating The People Driving Engineering Forward
The Annual Awards give us the opportunity to recognise the apprentices, mentors and employers whose dedication helps strengthen engineering skills across our region.
Congratulations to last years winners: Ali Khaled, Rachael O’Mara, Samuel Findlow, Matthew Bryant and Ercol, along with everyone nominated and recognised at this year’s celebration.
We look forward to more Annual Awards events and, more importantly, winners...