Shropshire apprentices lead the way

Two apprentices from Shropshire have been hailed as vocational stars at this year’s In-Comm Training Awards.

Tyler Cadwallader (Bridgnorth Aluminium) and Jade Higgins (FBC Manby Bowdler) beat off competition from across the West Midlands to secure the Learner of the Year AMTC – MCMT and Learner of the Year – Continuous Improvement awards respectively.

The duo impressed judges with the way they have had a positive impact on the bottom line of their employers by introducing new processes that deliver a host of cost savings and performance improvements. They were also praised for going above and beyond their day jobs by becoming ambassadors for apprenticeships, undertaking inspirational talks at local schools, museums and companies.

Bekki Phillips, joint managing director at In-Comm Training, said: “There has been a lot of negativity surrounding apprenticeships this year, with the national media quick to put the proverbial boot into the Levy and how it is failing employers across the UK.

“Talk of the number of ‘starts’ being down and large businesses turning the back on vocational training have dominated the headlines, but that’s only part of the story and the awards gave us the opportunity to tell the other half.

“The annual In-Comm Training Awards provides a fantastic platform to even the playing field and inform people about the amazing things that are happening in the West Midlands and highlight the companies that deliver anything from outstanding professional services advice to those making components that help drive the latest aircraft, cars and medical innovations.”

“We recognised and celebrated the best of the region’s vocational talent… the stars of business and industry and, more than likely, the business leaders of the future that are helping their employers work smarter, launch new products and services and, importantly, increase sales.

“Shropshire has done really well again in securing two of the main awards, a testament to the appetite of local companies and young people to really back the apprenticeship route.”

Headline sponsor for the event was the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), one of the UK’s leading machine tools suppliers. Chloe Reeve, technical co-ordinator and former apprentice, was one of the judges for this year’s competition.

Over 300 people attended the In-Comm Training Awards, held for the second time at the ICC in Birmingham, and guests were given an insight into the latest developments at In-Comm Training, before being entertained by West Midlands historian Professor Carl Chinn.

Sponsors for the evening included Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, FBC Manby Bowdler, In-Comm Training & Manufacturing Group, Made in the Midlands, MTD CNC, MyWorkwear, Rational FX and Wieland.

Pictured: Tyler Cadwallader (Bridgnorth Aluminium) and Jade Higgins (FBC Manby Bowdler)