Rising engineering talent is successful

Rising talent Josh Botfield is celebrating the successful completion of his T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacture.

Subject to receiving his official certification from Shrewsbury College, he will now progress to a formal apprenticeship with GWR Fasteners, where he aims to become a fully-qualified CNC setter.

Josh’s college course tutor Wayne Mitchell said: "Josh has been an excellent member of the class throughout his T Level in Design and Development for engineering and manufacture. He consistently demonstrates a polite, respectful, and professional attitude and contributes positively to the class.

Josh’s design and development work has been of a high standard across the duration of the course. He approaches his studies with a level of maturity not commonly observed in a learner of his age, which has led him to achieve results which place him in the top 10% of his class.”

The college said : "As part of his T Level, Josh successfully completed a 315-hour industrial placement with GWR Fasteners Limited in Oswestry. As his placement progressed, he advanced to manufacturing components, setting machines, and undertaking programming tasks whilst demonstrating his capability and a willingness to learn.

“Josh will be greatly missed when he progresses to his Level 4 manufacturing apprenticeship with GWR Fasteners. We have no doubt that he will continue to excel and make a strong impression in his future engineering career.”

Tom Ellis, who leads the manufacturing team on behalf of GWR Fasteners, said: "Josh has shown outstanding professionalism and dedication throughout his time with us. His willingness to learn, attention to detail, and strong work ethic have made a lasting impression on the team.”

T Levels are a relatively new and innovative qualification designed in partnership with industry to prepare young people for skilled employment.

The college’s curriculum director for Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical/Electronic and Automotive Engineering Alan Handy said: “T Levels are an exciting qualification designed in partnership with industry to give young people a clear path into skilled employment. They combine high quality classroom learning with real-world experience, giving students the knowledge, confidence, and practical ability employers are looking for."