February 22nd 2012
Apprenticeship Award
Mercia Alliance With HS Marston Aerospace Gains Top Apprentice Award
Winners announced in the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2011
Philip Pendrigh, aged 20, originally from Chinley in the Peak District, Derbyshire, now living in Pennfields, Wolverhampton, has shown what he’s made of by winning the EEF Midlands Region Outstanding Achievement by a First Year Apprentice Award, sponsored by EAL.
Recruited by Mercia Management and in placement through their apprenticeship scheme, Philip works for Wolverhampton-based HS Marston Aerospace Ltd, which designs and manufactures heat transfer equipment for the aerospace sector.
From an early stage of his apprenticeship it was clear that Philip had the ability to get involved in more technical aspects of the business and he was transferred to a role in the production office. There, his work contributed to the fluids management team receiving a lean manufacturing award and Philip was nominated to collect the trophy.
Thomas Davies and Adam Greaves, both fellow apprentices at the company, were shortlisted for the Final with Adam receiving the runner-up award for Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice.
The annual awards are hosted by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and recognise excellence in enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development among UK manufacturers.
Richard Halstead, EEF Midlands Regional Director, said: "This award was fiercely contested and it was a difficult choice to select from the high quality entries we received. Philip’s talents and hard work mark him out as a winner who will inspire other young people to achieve. He is a great ambassador for UK manufacturing and has an exciting future ahead of him. I wish him continued success and best of luck in the national final.”
The judging panel, led by Cranfield University, praised Philip’s achievements, stating: "He has showed great drive and determination to secure his apprenticeship, making the commitment to relocate, resulting in a number of personal sacrifices. He has acquired good product and process knowledge and has taken full advantage of his first year. With clear goals and aspirations, Philip has a full understanding of progression and is very appreciative of the company’s support. He is an extremely hard working individual who is already demonstrating a sound contribution to his employer’s activities.”
Ann Watson, Managing Director for EAL, the industry Awarding Organisation comments:"EAL applauds the efforts of all the winners, and recognises the contribution they have made to their own learning and to their employers. Winning the EEF Apprenticeship Awards will undoubtedly aid them in their future career. As the specialist Awarding Organisation for Industry we could not be prouder to sponsor these winners and celebrate their skills. We wish them the best of success.”
Philip will go forward to compete against other regional winners from across the UK in EEF’s National Awards final, to take place on 26 January 2012 in London.
Caption: Pictured (l-r) are: Tony Swimburn, EAL; Philip Pendrigh, and
Wendy Gibson, EEF Compere.
