The Engineering Trust

Annual Awards Results

Wednesday 19th February saw The Engineering Trust hold its Annual Awards Results and Presentation Evening, celebrating 2024. We were please to invite nominees along with their work colleagues, family, and friends to Oxford Town Hall to celebrate Apprenticeship excellence. We were also pleased to be joined by our award Judges and Jonathan Mitchell from the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education who spoke about the importance of apprenticeships to meet future demand in the engineering sector.

Apprentice of the Year Award

This award recognises and celebrates hardwork and dedication of the apprentice throughout their apprenticeship journey.

Thanks to Tom St John from the Manufacturer for judging and presenting the award. 

https://www.themanufacturer.com

CAMERON ROBERTS

Employer: Sensor Technology Ltd

Cameron is a dedicated, hardworking individual with a strong passion for engineering. He has shown remarkable growth in both confidence and technical ability since joining Sensor Technology Ltd. Initially a quiet and reserved individual, Cameron has transformed into a confident team member who consistently delivers work to a higher standard than expected. His attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond have made him an invaluable asset to the company. Cameron is not afraid to challenge existing processes and suggests improvements based on the knowledge he has gained during his apprenticeship. His ability to engage in in-depth conversations with the R&D team and his proactive approach to learning have significantly contributed to the quality of production within the company. Cameron’s journey from doubting his abilities to becoming a key contributor in a high-standard engineering environment is a testament to his determination and potential for future leadership. He is truly a standout apprentice and a role model for others in the industry.

Highly Commended

ALEKSANDAR STOYCE, SS Autotech
BEN WEBSTERL, QCR Recycling Equipment
HARRY KELLY, Oxford Instruments
JACK MEMBURY, High Spec. Composites
NATHAN HITCHCOCK, XDS Oxford
OLIVER CLAYTON, XDS Oxford
RHYS YOUNG, Sharp UK
RIMINI-MAY MIZSEI, Metreel
SAMUEL KENNY, Aston Martin F1

TREVOR WOODGER AWARD FOR CAREER PROGRESSION

This award recognises and celebrates an ex-apprentice who has made significant progress in their career to date.

Thanks to The Engineering Trust Trustees for judging and Richard Morris for presenting the award.

 

https://www.theengineeringtrust.org/

Chris Hodghton

Employer: Ercol

Pat accepted the award on Chris’s behalf. Pat originally had an apprenticeship at electric installations studying electrical instillation (both domestic and industrial), the company was was based in High Wycombe. Pat originally passed his apprenticeship in 1959. Chris is an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with a strong work ethic and a natural aptitude for engineering solutions. He is keen to learn and constantly challenges himself to find more streamlined and efficient ways of working, which has made him a pivotal part of the team at ercol. Chris has grown significantly in his role, starting with smaller projects and now leading health and safety implementation projects that are facility and maintenance-based. His pragmatic approach to problem-solving and his ability to find solutions that benefit all parties have earned him the trust and respect of his colleagues. Chris has a natural ability to mentor others, and he has taken on the role of guiding newer apprentices, passing on his knowledge of safe working practices and critical thinking skills.

Highly Commended

KIERAN CHURCHILL, Barrus Limited
CAMERON ROBERTS, Sensor Technology Ltd
EWAN MORGAN, Alloyed

ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD

This award recognises and celebrates an apprentice mentor or manager who has consistently gone above and beyond for apprentices. 

Thanks to Helen Cannon, Co-founder & Director at Intake Talent for presenting this award.

https://intaketalent.co.uk/

Shane Chambers

Employer: Navtech Radar

Shane is an exceptional leader, mentor, and role model who has played a crucial role in the growth and development of apprentices at Navtech. From the very start of their apprenticeship, he has been a guiding force—helping them settle in, providing the right tools for success, and creating personalized development plans tailored to their strengths and ambitions. His ability to foster trust and encouragement has built an environment where apprentices can thrive, fully supported by both Shane and the wider team he leads. Beyond mentorship, Shane ensures apprentices gain hands-on experience across multiple departments, including Production, Repairs, Engineering, Logistics, Warehouse, and even Software and Sales. He believes in giving them real responsibilities, allowing them to both succeed and learn from failure—an approach that has instilled confidence and resilience in them. His commitment to their growth goes beyond the workplace, as he has also provided invaluable guidance in their academic journeys, reviewing results, offering advice, and encouraging them to push forward.

Highly Commended

BILLY SHAKESPEARE, QCR Recycling Equipment
TOMMY FARRELL, E.P. Barrus Ltd

APPRENTICE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

This award recognises and celebrates an employer's commitment, contribution and dedication to their apprenticeship programme.

Thanks to Sherry White, Oxford People Solutions on behalf of Priddey Marketing for presenting the award. 

 

 

 

https://www.priddeymarketing.co.uk/

Lucy Electric

Lucy Group is deeply committed to the development of all employees, however we have an extra focus on early careers encompassing apprenticeships, internships and a graduate programme to invest in future talent. We believe that apprenticeships are the foundation to developing skills that are both valuable in the general market but also specific to the roles we have in our industry. We invest in a yearly cohort of apprentices in several of our businesses, namely: Lucy Electric, Lucy Zodion, Lucy Group and Lucy Properties. These cover a broad range of subjects, from Engineering and IT through Manufacturing and Operations to Property Maintenance. Our apprenticeship cohorts continue to grow year on year. Whilst the Levy is of great benefit, we see the investment as one that will evolve sustainably to provide us with a steady stream of new, experienced, qualified individuals joining our business. Without high calibre apprenticeships we would struggle as a business to bring in skilled people at the beginning of their career paths. Apprenticeships allow us to develop people, bridge our skills gaps and employ the future stars of Lucy Group.

Highly Commended

EP BARRUS LTD
EQUANS