Talented engineering apprentices have been recognised at a glittering North West Aerospace Alliance awards ceremony.
The New Talent Awards are held to recognise and reward the achievements of young apprentices and trainees from the North West of England’s aerospace and defence industry.
And at this year’s event Megan Wilcock, who is completing an apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce through Training 2000, was given the runner-up prize, sponsored by the Institute of Engineering and Technology, in the North West’s Best Aerospace and Defence Apprentice category.
Megan was also joined by two other students, Phillip Whiteside and Mathew Gonzalez-Green – who are also employed by Rolls-Royce and completing their apprenticeship through Training 2000 – to come runner-up in the Business University Challenge. NWAA’s Business University Challenge aims to bring business apprentices, university and college students together to compete head-to-head in a series of challenges to test their negotiation, innovation, communication and presenting skills.
The successful trio are currently completing their Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering at Nelson and Colne College, which is delivered in partnership with Training 2000.
Former Skipton Girls High School student Megan, 22, said: “The awards ceremony was rewarding and was a good chance to mix with people in the aerospace industry. I chose an apprenticeship for the opportunity to increase my knowledge while gaining business experience – the tutors at Nelson and Colne College have been very supportive.”
Tutor Mark Rosenthal added: “This year was the first time we could enter a team for the Business University Challenge, so it was fantastic to see our apprentices doing so well. Well done to Megan on her award – it is great to see her hard work has been recognised at such a prestigious event.
“We are committed to helping our students and apprentices get ready for their future in the Engineering industry with a range of enrichment opportunities and strong links with companies across East Lancashire.”
The NWAA ceremony, held at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester, saw awards handed out to the region’s best young talent and speeches from previous winner of the One to Watch award Ryan Worthington, Rolls-Royce and Wing Commander Martin Higgins, Commanding Officer Royal Airforce Aerobatic Team.
David Bailey, Chief Executive Officer at NWAA, said: “The New Talent Awards has become a key event for the North West’s Aerospace and Defence Sector. It is important that we continue to recognise and reward the achievements of the talent emerging in our industry. It is hugely important to our industry that we increase the numbers of talented young people into apprenticeships to plug the skills gap that threatens our ability to achieve the growth the aerospace market is experiencing.”
The HNC in Manufacturing Engineering is a higher level programme aimed at developing greater understanding and technical capability of Engineering processes. For more information contact 01282 440272.
