“My apprenticeship began in 2011 with Valley Engineering, a refrigeration company that specialise in process and vacuum cooling with key customers based in the food process industry. Whilst my time at MGTS was very involved, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who had a forward-thinking mindset and specific skill set required to be a successful engineer. After completing my HNC I remained at Valley until 2018, when I decided to travel to Australia and Asia. This decision was not made lightly as I really enjoyed my job and working with the team at Valley. However, it turned out to be a great decision as I had the time of my life!!

“My qualifications proved to be invaluable during my time in Australia. Unlike some of my friends along the way, work was not hard to come by. I was able to put my engineering and refrigeration skills to full use. I actually came back from my travels with money – much to my parent’s surprise! One of the projects I worked on was for an events company. This company employed both myself and my friend (another MGTS apprentice) to travel to Broome in Western Australia where we set up a refrigeration plant which chilled a large temporary structure for a political conference.

“During my travels I often found myself thinking about potential career paths for when I returned home. I had discovered the qualifications gained from my apprenticeship opened opportunities in many more areas of expertise than I had anticipated. I concluded that a return to Valley was the most beneficial option – if they would have me! Fortunately, during my interview on my return, they were very impressed by my ideas and experience I had gained during my travels. As a result, they offered me a promotion in the form of Air Conditioning & Service Supervisor. I fully embraced this role and took on a team of engineers. I was responsible for organising their workload and passing on my expertise to them.

“The owner of Valley, Nick Murphy, was key in my development from apprentice to my return as a Supervisor. His methodical, caring and knowledgeable personality showed me what it takes to be successful in this industry. Through the years, I worked alongside Nick to provide initiatives on how to improve our work methods and skill sets. Some were chosen, some not! Sadly in 2023, Nick passed away very suddenly. This was extremely hard for me personally and the team to deal with. Unknown to us, Nick and his wife Jane had decided to turn the company into an Employee-Owned Trust – a company which has no owner and is run by a Board of Directors. Myself and two others were chosen to be these Directors and we have carried on Nick’s legacy. We have invested in training and developing the company and I am proud to say we run the company in a profitable manner. Since taking on this role we have gained several new customers, one of which is managed by a former apprentice from my course. We have stayed in touch over the years, and I have maintained many friendships/contacts with several of the other apprentices – you never know when you are going to meet up again!”

Photo credit: Dave Warren / Picture Team

The post The Journey from Learner to Leader appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

Aldrin was awarded the Food & Drink Maintenance Engineering Graduate Award at our recent Apprenticeship Awards. Bob Lynn, his MGTS Training & Development Adviser, gave a such a heart warming speech we thought we’d share it with you…

“If this evening is about recognising distinction, then Aldrin Mendonca is the reason we have to keep redefining what that word actually means.

“On paper, Aldrin is a Level 3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer, Multi‑skilled pathway, achieving distinction in his knowledge test, distinction in his practical assessment and project, and distinction again in his professional dialogue and interview – a clean sweep of distinction across every component of his end‑point assessment, culminating in an overall grade of, yes, distinction. In a world of pass and fail, Aldrin seems to have decided that ‘pass’ was far too low a setting.

“But the real distinction is how he’s gone about it. At Greencore, he’s been the apprentice who doesn’t just turn up, but quietly raises the game of the people around him – the one you see on site “just getting on with it”, with the calm assurance of someone you might easily mistake for running the place. In his project work he delivered tangible efficiency benefits for the business, planning meticulously, collaborating with original equipment manufacturers and colleagues, and seeing a demanding piece of engineering through from concept to results.

“At MGTS, Aldrin quickly became the ‘go‑to’ person for his peers – the difference between a good cohort and a distinguished one. While others revised for a knowledge test, Aldrin embodied it, showing the kind of deep understanding that lets you answer every technical question and still have enough left over to help the person sitting next to you. In his professional dialogue, what stood out was not only what he knew, but how he behaved – superb professional conduct, clear communication, and a grounded confidence that marks the true distinction between potential and maturity.

“Aldrin has an apprenticeship certificate that says ‘Distinction’. We acknowledge that he has lived that word – in his results, in his work on site, in his support for others, and in the example he sets for every apprentice who will follow. It is a privilege to present the Graduate Apprentice of the Year award to someone who has turned distinction from a grade into a habit.”

Aldrin, please take a bow!

The post A Man of Distinction appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

Here are the award winners, along with a few words from MGTS staff…

• Mechanical Apprentice of the Year – Ollie Macvarish of Dennis Eagle
  “Ollie has an exceptional mechanical aptitude. He developed knowledge and skills quickly, had a good eye for detail which enabled him to produce an excellent standard of workmanship very early on in his training. He was always enthusiastic and keen to learn. The level of application, motivation and effort applied by Ollie was exemplary and never waived throughout the whole for the first-year training period. He was an excellent group member and was well respected by his peers.”
• Maintenance Apprentice of the Year – Jamie Tiff of PepsiCo
  “From the outset Jamie performed consistently way above average, demonstrating an ability to quickly grasp new subject matter and apply the new skills and knowledge to produce tasks of the highest quality. His methodical, patient and thorough approach enabled him to maintain a high level of competence throughout the training year, performing exceptionally well in the fields of electrical maintenance, fluid power and mechanical maintenance. Jamie was always eager to stretch and challenge himself to improve his skills and knowledge once tasks had been completed.”
• Most Improved Apprentice of the Year Coventry – Samuel Githinji of TGW Limited
  “Samuel made relatively slow progress at the start of the training year but always gave 100% effort in whatever tasks he undertook. He has worked diligently on improving his occupational skills and knowledge and has a great ‘never give up attitude’ which has paid dividends. Always happy with a smile on his face, Samuel has now come on leaps and bounds and is achieving his full potential through hard work and determination.”
• Most Improved Apprentice of the Year Redditch – Jake Webber of Heller
  “Jake had a somewhat average start to the academic year recording only satisfactory grades. However, his desire and appetite for learning has been second to none and this has enabled progress to be made at a commendable pace. Jake has remained dedicated and focussed to the cause. The distance travelled from where he started to where he is now is testament Jake’s hard work and endeavour and this is why he was nominated by the staff for this award.”
• Apprentices’ Apprentice of the Year Coventry – Daniel Fox of Warburtons
  “Daniel has clearly gained a high level of trust and respect within his peer group. Interestingly he gained a number of votes from other learners in different groups within the Centre, thus demonstrating his likeable nature had spread throughout MGTS, due to his warm personality and character. Everybody just liked Daniel!”
• Apprentices’ Apprentice of the Year Redditch – Harry Taylor of Heller
  “Harry was nominated by his fellow apprentices because they thought he was an outstanding talent, good at everything he turned his hand to and always willing to offer support and guidance to his peers when needed. He has been a role model for all other apprentices to follow in the Centre. Some of the nomination comments included:  ‘Always works hard, a good lad’,  ‘Just a sound bloke, gets the job done’, ‘Consistent attendance, quality of work and positive attitude’, ‘Getting on a bit, but he’s a smart bloke’.
• Apprentice of the Year Coventry – James Yates of Fine Lady Bakeries
  “James has an exceptional mechanical aptitude. He developed knowledge and skills quickly, had a good eye for detail which enabled him to produce an excellent standard of workmanship, very early on in his training. The level of application, motivation and effort applied by James was exemplary and never wavered throughout the whole of the first year training period. He was an excellent group member and was well respected by his peers. He is a credit to himself and his company.”
• FDME1st Year Apprentice of the Year Coventry – Jack Powell of Heineken
  “Jack was exceptionally focussed in his approach. He demonstrated a positive attitude and remained enthusiastic and always motivated. He proved himself across several areas within the Training Centre during his first phase of training. He has good attention to detail, which then translates into producing workmanship of the highest quality. Jack was always willing to support and provide guidance to those that asked. His ability to maintain this high level of dedication and commitment is a credit it to him and he will undoubtedly flourish as the programme unfolds to become an excellent engineer within Heineken.”
• Apprentice of the Year Redditch – Owen Ashman of Konecranes
  “Owen has a fantastic approach to his apprenticeship and the opportunity that Kone Cranes have given him. He is dedicated, enthusiastic, motivated and fully understands what is expected of him. His positive attitude and overall application were excellent. He has an eye for attention to detail and always tried to produce work of the highest order. He remained fully engaged from day one, whatever the task. Owen has been an absolute pleasure to teach and train and he is in fact a role model to others as to what the perfect apprentice should look like.”
• FDME1st Year Apprentice of the Year Redditch – Oliver Walker of Morrisons
  “Oliver produced an exceptional performance throughout his training, consistently demonstrating a high level of engagement, motivation and interest whilst producing work of the highest quality. His application and approach to every area of training undertook was exemplary, coupled with a mature professional positive attitude. Oliver was always fully engaged, very polite and well mannered.”
• BTEC 1st Year Apprentice of the Year Coventry – Georgia Brown of Triumph
  “Georgia’s attitude towards learning and her development has been exceptional. What made her stand out above a lot of her peers is her work ethic. Even if she finds something difficult, she will ask the right questions to fully understand what she is required to do and consequently her level of submissions for her assignments has been of a very high standard. I fully expect, with Georgia’s level of tenacity and commitment, she will excel as she continues into her engineering career.”
• BTEC 1st Year Apprentice of the Year Redditch – McKensie Perry of Kion Group
  “McKensie has demonstrated exceptional perseverance, dedication, and drive. Despite facing challenges that make classroom learning more complex for him, he consistently approaches every task with determination and a positive attitude. He never allows obstacles to limit him. Instead, he works harder, asks questions, and applies himself fully to mastering new skills. His ability to stay focused, motivated, and proactive has resulted in good progress through the course.”
• BTEC Programme Apprentice of the Year Coventry – Daniel Andrews of Ball Packaging
  “Daniel is a student that delivered and performed at an outstanding level regarding his work ethic, knowledge and attitude. Throughout his BTEC studies his work has been of a very high standard, but what makes him stand out is his demeanour, maturity and disciplined approach to his education and his career. When we see him return for the HNC programme we have no doubt he will carry this forward.”
• BTEC Programme Apprentice of the Year Redditch – Jacob Gates of Thorlux
  “Jacob has consistently demonstrated strong mathematical capability and a clear aptitude for technical problem-solving. He approached tasks with focus, confidence, and accuracy, often progressing beyond the expected standard. His analytical thinking and natural engineering intuition mark him out as someone with significant potential in the field. With his strong foundation in mathematics and quick learning ability, he is exceptionally well-positioned to become a highly capable engineer. I have no doubt he will excel as he continues his studies and develops his professional career.”
• BTEC Block Release Award – Rebecca Kirkham of Warburtons
  “Becky is a grafter and was a pleasure to teach. Her level of detail in her work and ability to ensure she has asked the right questions to be able to deliver on her submissions is fantastic. I know that it has been challenging at times, but her attitude and perseverance and resilience have made her standout as a block release student. She should be really proud of what she’s achieved.”
• HNC Highly Commended – Daniel Wild of Heller 
  “Daniel has been an absolute standout this year and his tutors are genuinely pleased to award him the HNC Highly Commended Award. His performance from start to finish has been nothing short of brilliant. He consistently produces excellent work and shows real skill, focus, and commitment in everything he does. Daniel’s positive attitude, willingness to get stuck in, and enthusiasm in lessons have all played a big part in his success. We’re incredibly proud of everything Daniel has achieved so far, and we’re excited to see what he goes on to accomplish as he continues his journey in engineering.”
• HNC Programme Apprentice of the Year – Adam Percival of PepsiCo
  “This award truly reflects the hard work, determination, and commitment Adam has shown throughout his time on the programme. From the very start, Adam approached his studies with enthusiasm and a real passion for learning. He never backed down from a challenge and consistently pushed himself to achieve the highest standards. His overall Distinction grade is a clear reflection of that effort and dedication. What has always stood out to his tutors is Adam’s proactive attitude. He takes responsibility for his learning, asks thoughtful questions, and always aims to deepen his understanding. It’s been inspiring to see how his approach has positively influenced those around him. We are incredibly proud of everything Adam has achieved, and we have no doubt that his drive and talent will lead him to even greater success as he moves forward in his engineering career.”
• FDME Apprentice Graduate – Aldrin Mendonca of Greencore
  “Aldrin has an apprenticeship certificate that says ‘Distinction’. We acknowledge that he has lived that word – in his results, in his work on site, in his support for others, and in the example he sets for every apprentice who will follow. It is a privilege to present the Graduate Apprentice of the Year award to someone who has turned distinction from a grade into a habit.” Bob Lynn – Training & Development Adviser
• Advanced Apprentice Graduate – Adam Percival of PepsiCo
  “Throughout his apprenticeship journey Adam consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and capability, always creating top quality task reports and underpinning knowledge answers. This helped him to achieve one of the MGTS Apprentice of the Year awards every single year and this year he has achieved two – an achievement that speaks for itself. On top of that Adam gained distinctions for his BTEC and HNC. As he continues to establish himself in his current role as a Shift Technician/Shift Engineer, I have no doubt that his progression through the company will follow naturally.” Russ Brown – Training & Development Adviser
• Mentor Recognition Awards
  The role of the Mentor is undoubtedly of paramount importance to the training and development of the apprentice in the workplace; without Mentors the focus is lost. These people are the unsung heroes of apprenticeships and have the responsibility for developing the next generation of engineers. MGTS is very pleased to celebrate the recognition of four such outstanding dedicated Mentors who have been nominated by the MGTS company TDA for their support in developing their apprentices.
  – Denis Bailey of Britvic
  – Paul Lewis of Keller
  – Shaune Topham of Molson Coors
  – Nathan Wheedon of Saputo
• Employer Recognition Awards
  Each year we look to recognise the commitment that employers make to their apprenticeships, supporting the development of young people starting their engineering careers. The companies we have recognised this year not only show these commitments year on year but also take the time to discuss with MGTS how programmes may be developed and utilised to suit the developing needs of industry and developing technologies. Congratulations to:
  – 3P Innovation
  – Amtico
  – PepsiCo
  – TGW Limited

Thank you and congratulations to everyone involved. Until next year…

The post Apprentice Awards 2025 appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

The culmination of months of hard work, these presentations are a cornerstone of the BTEC and HNC qualifications, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world challenges. The breadth and quality of the projects on display were truly outstanding, demonstrating both technical skill and creative problem-solving.

This year’s projects covered an impressive range of engineering and technical disciplines, including:

• Advanced Automation: Innovative PLC-controlled rollerbed systems designed to improve efficiency and safety.
• Sustainable Solutions: The design and implementation of new, energy-efficient lighting systems.
• Enhanced Training: The development of bespoke training aids to support future learners.
• Mechanical Excellence: Comprehensive equipment overhauls and restorations.
• Process Optimisation: Smart solutions for significant process improvements in various settings.

We were also delighted to welcome representatives from some of our key industry partners, including Carlsberg and TGW, who came to see the incredible work our students are doing. Their presence underscores the value of these qualifications and the high regard in which our students are held.

A Word From Our Tutors:

Our tutors were exceptionally proud of the standard of work presented. One tutor commented, “The level of detail and professionalism shown by the students this year has been exceptional. They have not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the technical principles but have also shown a remarkable ability to manage complex projects from concept to completion. It’s a testament to their hard work and the bright future that lies ahead for them in the industry.”

Congratulations once again to all our BTEC and HNC students. You have set the bar high, and we cannot wait to see the impact you will undoubtedly make in your future careers!

#BTEC #HNC #Engineering #FutureOfSTEM #StudentSuccess #UKmfg #ClassOf2025

The post Celebrating the Next Generation of Innovators: A Showcase of Talent at our BTEC and HNC Presentations! appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

At first, I began an apprenticeship as a midwife nurse, but I soon realised that emotionally, it wasn’t the right fit for me. I took a break and started working at Amazon, where I stayed for several years. During that time, I was promoted to Team Leader at the BHX10 site. In that role, I frequently worked alongside engineers who maintained and repaired our equipment. I was fascinated by the way they approached complex problems with such skill and precision. This experience inspired me to explore engineering as a career path.

I applied for Amazon’s in-house engineering apprenticeship, but unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted due to my English GCSE not being recognised, as I had completed it in Romania. Still, I didn’t want to give up. I began looking for other opportunities and discovered MGTS through my partner, who had previously studied there. After visiting the Training Centre, I was impressed and knew it was the right direction for me. I just needed to find a company that would take me on as an apprentice. That’s when I discovered Ardagh Metal Packaging who work in partnership with MGTS. After a successful interview, they offered me an apprenticeship role because they saw potential in me, and I’m proud to be part of the team today.

How have you found your apprenticeship training so far?
The training has been very valuable. The instructors at MGTS are extremely supportive and guide us well throughout our learning journey. They make sure we’re on the right path and explain everything clearly and practically.

What is your role and what does it involve?
I’m a second-year multi-skilled engineering apprentice, currently specialising in the electrical department. Over the past seven months, my responsibilities have included fault-finding during machine breakdowns, replacing motors, wiring sensors and assisting with the upgrade of electrical systems across the site. I also work with ladder logic and contribute to the design of HMI screens to support site operations. The experienced engineers I work alongside are always willing to explain complex tasks and help strengthen my understanding in areas where I need further development.

Have you overcome any challenges?
Yes, I face challenges almost every day. As an apprentice in the electrical department, I’m constantly learning while keeping up with the fast-paced environment. Machines can fail at any time, and we need to respond quickly. It’s a challenge to both learn and contribute at the same time, especially during breakdowns but these situations have helped me grow faster and gain real, hands-on experience.

Any highlights you would like to share?
One of the main highlights of my apprenticeship so far has been the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in real working situations. Being trusted to work alongside experienced engineers on live faults has helped me build confidence and feel like a valued part of the team. A moment that stands out was when I helped diagnose and fix a breakdown under time pressure and my contribution was recognised by the team; it really boosted my confidence.

Another highlight has been the variety of tasks I’ve been involved in from replacing motors to designing HMI screens. Each job has helped me expand my skills and grow both technically and personally. Most importantly, I’ve felt genuinely supported by my mentors and colleagues, which has made a big difference in my development. I also really appreciate the welcoming environment at Ardagh it’s motivated me to keep pushing forward.

What are you looking forward to about your future career?
I’m looking forward to a bright future in engineering. I feel supported by my company and proud to be part of a team where I’m constantly learning and improving. In the future, I hope to continue developing my skills and eventually take on more responsibility, supporting new apprentices the same way I was supported at the beginning of my journey.

If you are inspired by Lidia’s career in engineering then take a look at our latest apprenticeship vacancies.

The post Lidia’s Journey appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

The aim of the experience is to empower apprentices to meet the behavioral requirements of their apprenticeship and increase understanding of how this can be positively transferred and implemented in the workplace.

Andrew Baines, FE Tutor, tells us: “Firstly, catching up with the apprentices after last teaching them in February was great. Learning and finding out what they had been up to since being back in the workplace and utilising the skills they had learned at MGTS was really rewarding. My group and the others I could see were definitely enjoying themselves and there was no lack of laughter and humour!

“With a real emphasis through the week on problem solving and teambuilding, which in my opinion are two of the most important skills as Maintenance Technicians, the apprentices rose to the challenges that confronted them with a degree of maturity that I hadn’t seen previously. What I witnessed was some stand out talent from natural leaders of the future, with a real positive energy, enthusiasm, and ability to get their groups working as a team. This is a week that you certainly get out of it what you put in and for me watching apprentices learn new skills, show hidden talent, get over fears and continue to better themselves as individuals and future engineers was both rewarding and inspiring.”

Stuart Ellinor, MGTS Redditch Centre Lead, comments: “I really enjoyed the activities that I was involved in and interacting outside of a work environment with the apprentices and colleagues. The mood was positive, and I feel the apprentices thoroughly enjoyed their experiences. The Rock UK staff impressed the importance of teambuilding, problem solving and taking ownership. It’s a great initiative for the apprentices…long may it continue.”

Adam Murray, Curriculum Manager said: “I thought it was a fantastic opportunity for the apprentices. For some, it was the first time they had truly stepped outside their comfort zones.

“On a personal level, I really appreciated the chance to get to know some of the apprentices better, as my day-to-day role doesn’t usually allow for that. What stood out to me the most was the enthusiasm and effort everyone put into the activities—the apprentices fully embraced their time with Rock UK. The staff were excellent, consistently reinforcing teamwork and communication in every activity. They also made a great effort to draw natural links to the engineering industry, helping the apprentices understand the relevance of the tasks they were undertaking.”

Thank you to all involved for a great week!

The post Rising to the Challenge appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

Pavan kindly agreed to share details of his apprenticeship journey and hopes for his future career to help us promote engineering apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week.

Here goes…

Why did you choose engineering as a career?
“I’ve always been drawn to engineering because I enjoy problem-solving and working with my hands to fix things. Whether it’s electrical fault-finding, machining, or tackling a breakdown under pressure, I love the challenge of understanding how things work and making them run better.”

Why did you select the apprenticeship route?
“For me, an apprenticeship was the perfect balance between gaining qualifications and getting hands-on experience in a real work environment. Learning directly from experienced engineers while also studying helped me develop both technical and practical skills early on. It also meant that I could start applying what I learned straight away, which made the whole process more engaging and rewarding.”

How was your time at MGTS?
“MGTS played a huge role in shaping my career. The structured training and access to industry-standard equipment helped me develop the skills I now use daily. Beyond the technical knowledge, MGTS also prepared me for the real-world challenges of working in engineering. It was a great stepping stone that gave me confidence in my abilities and set me on the right path.”

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
“Winning the HNC First Year Apprenticeship Recognition Award and the HNC Graduate Apprentice of the Year Award has definitely been a standout moment for me. Those awards recognised the hard work I’ve put into my development and confirmed that I was heading in the right direction. Beyond that, my role at Mission Foods has given me the opportunity to refine my fault-finding skills, cover critical breakdowns, and take on more responsibility in an industrial setting—something I take a lot of pride in.”

What are you excited about for your future?
“I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my expertise, especially in electrical fault-finding and automation. I also want to take on more leadership responsibilities, helping mentor new engineers and apprentices in the same way others have supported me. Engineering is always evolving, and I’m excited to be part of that growth.”

Congratulations Pavan on your successes to date and we look forward to hearing about your future achievements.

The post On a Mission to Succeed appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

The event was opened by Giles Lawton, our Chair of Trustees, who recognised the importance of engineering apprenticeships within Industry and highlighted the wonderful work that our Board of Trustees do to support MGTS across all areas of the business.

Without further ado, welcome to the 2024 winners…

MECHANICAL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – SAMUEL HOMER of LEAR CORPORATION
“Sam has an exceptional mechanical aptitude. He developed knowledge and skills quickly which enabled him to produce an excellent standard of workmanship very early on in his training. The level of application, motivation and effort demonstrated by Sam was consistent across the academic year. The staff called him ‘Mr Invisible’ as he required very little support or assistance and just got on with his work. Always first to start and always first to finish, but above all always producing high quality workpieces.”

MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – HAYDN RIX of CARLSBERG MARSTON’S BREWING COMPANY
“From the outset Haydn performed consistently well above average, demonstrating an ability to quickly grasp subject matter and apply his new skills and knowledge to produce tasks of the highest quality. His methodical, patient and thorough approach enables him to maintain a high level of competence, performing exceptionally well in the fields of electrical maintenance, fluid power and mechanical maintenance. He had a natural aptitude for automation, PLC’s and fault finding.”

MOST IMPROVED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – COVENTRY – OWEN MORRISON of WARBURTONS
“Owen made relatively slow progress at the start of the training year, achieving only average grades. Once settled, through perseverance and endeavour he grew in confidence and ability, producing work of an excellent standard. He undertook many additional tasks to cement his level of understanding and gradually Owen’s potential began to materialise, demonstrating a consistently high standard of workmanship.”

MOST IMPROVED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – REDDITCH – MATTHEW BLUNDALL of INGERSOLL RAND
“Matthew had an average start to the academic year recording only satisfactory grades. Half-way through the year we saw the new focussed, engaged Matthew whose full potential was now starting to shine through with significantly improved performance and grades. The distance travelled from where he started to where he is now is testament to Matthew’s hard work and endeavour.”

APPRENTICES’ APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – COVENTRY – COLE JOHNSON of CEMBRE
“Cole was nominated by his peers because he’s just a ‘really nice person’ who got on well with everyone in the Centre, apprentices and staff alike. With his warming personality and character he was always willing to assist and support others within his group wherever he could.”

APPRENTICES’ APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – REDDITCH – JACK PURCHASE of INGERSOLL RAND
“Jack was nominated by his fellow apprentices because they thought he was an outstanding talent and good at everything he turned his hand to. He was always willing to offer support and guidance to his peers and has been a role model for all other apprentices to follow in the Centre.”

BTEC 1ST YEAR RECOGNITION AWARD – COVENTRY – JAMES BUTCHER of PEPSICO
“James has consistently demonstrated a mature and dedicated attitude towards his learning, setting a shining example for his peers. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the consistently high-quality work he submits, showcasing his attention to detail and thorough understanding of the subject matter.”

BTEC 1ST YEAR RECOGNITION AWARD – REDDITCH – STEWART STRINGER of BLUE EARTH FOODS
“Stewart’s hard work and mature attitude towards learning have been key to his success, enabling him to achieve an impressive set of results, including three Distinctions, one Merit, and one Pass for his assignments. His unwavering determination and great attitude have been instrumental in driving his improvement and helping him achieve higher grades as he progressed throughout the year.”

BTEC 1ST YEAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – COVENTRY – LILI WILKINSON of TRIUMPH
“Lili has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment and excellence throughout her apprenticeship so far, achieving an outstanding set of results with four Distinctions and a Merit. She consistently brings a positive attitude to her lessons and has proven to be a highly engaged and motivated learner. Lili is always eager to expand her knowledge, and takes every opportunity to challenge herself and grow both academically and professionally.”

BTEC 1ST YEAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – REDDITCH – JACOB GATES of THORLUX
“Jacob has demonstrated a mature and focused attitude towards his learning, consistently producing high-quality work that reflects his dedication and attention to detail. His enthusiasm for learning, combined with a positive mindset, has set him apart as an exemplary apprentice with great potential for future success.”

BTEC PROGRAMME RECOGNITION AWARD – COVENTRY – MUAAZ SHAIKH of PNEURIDE
“Muaaz has consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, maintaining a high level of effort throughout the year and delivering work of exceptional quality in his assignments. His enthusiasm for learning is evident in his proactive approach to acquiring new knowledge and skills, always keen to engage with the material and never hesitant to ask thoughtful questions. This inquisitive mindset, combined with his dedication and drive, has made Muaaz a standout apprentice and an inspiration to his peers.”

BTEC PROGRAMME RECOGNITION AWARD – REDDITCH – ADAM MORRIS of UK-NSI
“Adam has consistently demonstrated an outstanding level of effort throughout the year, producing high-quality work that reflects his commitment to excellence. His enthusiasm for learning and proactive approach, characterised by his eagerness to ask questions and deepen his understanding, have made him a standout apprentice.”

BTEC PROGRAMME APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – COVENTRY – JAMIE HURST of QUARTZELEC
“Jamie has consistently displayed an exceptional level of effort and dedication throughout the year. His commitment to producing high-quality work in his assignments has set a benchmark for excellence, reflecting on his passion for engineering. His unwavering focus and determination to succeed have been evident in every aspect of his studies, earning him well-deserved recognition among his peers and tutors. Jamie’s achievements not only highlight his capabilities as a learner but also underline his potential for a bright and successful career in engineering.”

BTEC PROGRAMME APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – REDDITCH – LOUIS EVANS of HELLER
“Louis has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort throughout the year, producing work of the highest quality in his assignments. His commitment to excellence and his ability to maintain such high standards are a testament to his hard work, focus, and passion for engineering.”

BTEC BLOCK RELEASE AWARD – LEWIS WYLDE of WARBURTONS
“Lewis has consistently shown a fantastic attitude towards learning, approaching every opportunity with enthusiasm and a genuine eagerness to engage in lessons. His proactive mindset and willingness to immerse himself in the material have been instrumental in his success, enabling him to produce work of consistently high quality throughout his assignments.”

HNC 1ST YEAR RECOGNITION AWARD – COVENTRY – ADAM PERCIVAL of PEPSICO
“Throughout the year, Adam has consistently produced work of an exceptionally high standard, reflecting both his technical proficiency and his thorough understanding of the subject matter. His great attitude towards learning, combined with a keen desire to engage in lessons and expand his knowledge, has made him a standout student and an exemplary role model for his peers.”

HNC 1ST YEAR RECOGNITION AWARD – REDDITCH – STEPHANIE ROSE of HOWARD S COOKE
“Stephanie’s performance throughout the year has been nothing short of outstanding. She consistently produces work of the highest standard, demonstrating her aptitude and unwavering commitment to excellence. Stephanie’s great attitude towards learning, combined with her enthusiasm to engage actively in lessons, has played a key role in her success. Her dedication to achieving consistently high-quality results across her assignments reflects her exceptional work ethic and her genuine passion for engineering.”

HNC PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR – PAVAN DHADDY of MISSION FOODS
“Pavan has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning, approaching every challenge with enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His drive to achieve the highest standards is evident in his remarkable accomplishment of earning an overall Distinction grade for his HNC. As an outstanding learner, Pavan’s proactive approach and consistent pursuit of academic excellence have not only set him apart but also serve as an inspiration to his peers.”

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – COVENTRY – DANIEL ANDREWS of BALL PACKAGING
“Daniel proved able to adapt to any training scenario and produce work of the highest quality. He is thorough in his approach to all practical and theoretical aspects of the programme. He understands what is expected of him, picking up new processes and practices quickly which accelerates his ability to develop skills, knowledge and competence. His enthusiasm and thirst to learn was incredible!”

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – REDDITCH – ALFIE ARMSTRONG of LEAR CORPORATION
“Alfie has a fantastic approach to his apprenticeship and the opportunity that Lear has given him. He is dedicated, enthusiastic, motivated and fully understands what is expected of him. His positive attitude and overall application is excellent and he has an eye for attention detail required to produce work of the highest order. He has remained fully engaged from day one and he has been a pleasure to teach and train. He is in fact a role model to others as to what the perfect apprentice should look like.”

ADVANCED APPRENTICE GRADUATE AWARD – COVENTRY – SEAN WILLIAMS of DENNIS EAGLE
“Sean has always taken a mature approach to his training and has impressed all with his hard work and dedication, remaining committed to developing himself on the theoretical and practical parts of the apprenticeship. He always took on board any feedback ensuring that he actioned this to further develop. On completion of his first year at MGTS he saw the value in working on the Production footprints within Dennis Eagle, building the vehicles before then moving into the office and Design areas. Sean completed his BTEC Level 3 Diploma (Distinction), HNC Level 4 Diploma (Merit) and then went on to successfully pass the End Point Assessment of the apprenticeship, excelling in the interview.”

ADVANCED APPRENTICE GRADUATE AWARD – REDDITCH – DANIEL PAYNE of THORLUX
“Daniel, a Product Design and Development Technician, is commended for his exceptional performance throughout his apprenticeship, notably his proficiency in concept feasibility, design, and development. His successful completion of the programme and his valuable contributions to research, prototyping, and problem-solving have made him an invaluable asset to Thorlux Lighting.”

FDME 1ST YEAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – COVENTRY – JACK RANCE of CRANSWICK
“Jack is exceptionally focussed in his approach. He demonstrates a positive attitude, remaining enthusiastic and motivated at all times. Jack has good attention to detail, which then translates into producing workmanship of the highest quality. Always willing to support and provide guidance to his peers he will undoubtedly flourish as the programme unfolds to become an excellent engineer within Cranswick.”

FDME 1ST YEAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – REDDITCH – ALEKSANDRA MAZUREK of SAPUTO
“Aleksandra was an exceptional learner throughout her training, consistently demonstrating a high level of engagement, motivation and interest, producing work of the highest quality. Her exemplary application and approach to every area of training, coupled with a mature professional positive attitude made her a force to be reckoned with.”

FDME 2ND YEAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – DANIEL COOK of CPC FOODS
“Daniel demonstrated a fantastic work ethic and thirst for knowledge in the second year of his apprenticeship. During his time at the Centre his commitment to learning and attention to detail resulted in him producing an excellent quality of work.”

FDME 3RD YEAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – KYLE CLARKE of MORRISONS
“Kyle has performed extremely well over all three phases of training, demonstrating a real understanding of the engineering principles and occupational role requirements for the Food and Drink industry.  As well as always being willing to support and encourage others he is enthusiastic, fully engaged, committed to success and applies himself well in all that he undertakes. The result – exceptional quality of work produced.”

FDME APPRENTICE GRADUATE AWARD – COVENTRY – SORINA SABAU of SAPUTO
“From the outset of her apprenticeship journey Sorina always put in 100% effort and commitment into whatever she attempted, whether it be practical or theoretical work. This has not gone unnoticed by her employer and she was duly seconded by the Group Engineering Manager to help support a variety of projects. Sorina concluded her apprenticeship gaining a Distinction at End Point Assessment and has now taken her passion for engineering and high expectations to the next level by becoming a key figure for the mentoring of current apprentices at Saputo Nuneaton.”

FDME APPRENTICE GRADUATE AWARD – REDDITCH – KYLE MORRIS of MORRISONS
“Kyle overcame numerous challenges during the course of his apprenticeship – from staying away from home for the phases of delivery in Redditch, to transferring for 12 months from the Deeside site of Morrisons in Wales to the Winsford facility in England due to Apprenticeship funding rules. He established himself well there, getting on with the other engineers and apprentices. He did not let this slow down his learning and managed to complete the work-based assignments required for the Level 3 Diploma qualification on time, achieving a Distinction overall. When returning to Deeside at the end of his third year, Kyle continued to push himself and was in one of the first waves of his cohort to get through the gruelling 12-week End Point Assessment, achieving a Merit grade.”

MENTOR RECOGNITION AWARDS

DARREN COPE of ENGEL
“Darren has been a key figure in the development of the apprentices at Engel. His vast knowledge and experience within the Company allows him to ensure that the apprentices get exposure on a variety of different jobs, working with different engineers across their customers’ sites nationwide. Darren is always present during the apprentice reviews and drives the apprentices to keep on top of their written work, identifying time for them to complete this on a regular basis.”

NICK LINGARD of WARBURTONS
“Nick listens to his apprentices whilst ensuring all training needs are met. He looks ahead long term and can see the value of additional qualifications such as the HNC. Nick’s was the first Warburtons site to work with MGTS and he embraced our way of working, ensuring continuity of message of what the apprentice requirements are, which means they succeeded in a timely fashion with one apprentice now becoming Deputy Shift Lead less than a year outside of his apprenticeship.”

ADAM KUBIT of AMTICO
“Adam leads by example. He listens to what is required and is very helpful in ensuring all aspects of training are covered practically and documented.  The apprentices appreciate his support and clear leadership, respecting that whatever he requests practically needs to be completed within a reasonable timeframe. His apprentices want to impress him with an excellent performance each and every day.”

CHRIS FAGAN of GREENCORE
“Chris’s supportive and hands-on approach has been instrumental in guiding his apprentices through their professional journey. His keen interest in their progress and proactive stance in providing additional support have created an environment where apprentices feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles. This level of engagement not only fosters their technical skills but also nurtures their confidence and professional growth. Chris’s mentorship style goes beyond mere supervision. He actively listens to his apprentices, understanding their individual needs and tailoring his guidance accordingly. This personalised approach ensures that each apprentice receives the specific support they require to thrive in their role and overcome any obstacles they may encounter.”

EMPLOYER RECOGNITION AWARDS

SAPUTO – When MGTS embarked on a new direction in apprenticeship delivery models in 2012, Saputo (formerly Dairy Crest) were at the heart of the foundations that were put in place, which formed the basis to MGTS’ national apprenticeship delivery. Year on year Saputo have supported engineering apprenticeship recruitment not just locally in Warwickshire, but in the North West and South West regions maintaining their long term relationship and business support to MGTS.

DENNIS EAGLE – Working in partnership for over 30 years, MGTS recognises the company’s ongoing support and commitment to engineering apprenticeship programs. Recruiting year on year, Dennis Eagle has trained and developed over 50 engineering apprentices, many of whom have progressed into senior roles within the business. This is testament to the development opportunities and career security afforded by the company. We look forward to continuing our long-term relationship with Dennis Eagle and thank them for the support and commitment they provide to both their apprentices and MGTS.

QUARTZELEC – The long-term relationship between Quartzelec and MGTS stems from the business recognising the need to succession plan its future. These plans have resulted in a Company apprenticeship programme with over 20 apprentices in learning across a range of different engineering occupational roles. For the programme be successful it is vital a high degree of trust and confidence across both parties is in existence. MGTS recognises this alongside the ongoing support from Quartzelec when making decisions and structuring apprenticeship programmes.

SAMUEL TAYLOR – One of our long-standing partners in the Redditch area, Samuel Taylor Ltd have made a much-recognised commitment to supporting engineering apprenticeships and developing engineers for the future of their business. Samuel Taylor is particularly recognised for recruiting and nurturing an increasing cohort of Toolmaking apprentices in order to future proof this specialist precision engineering role.

Congratulations to all winners!

The post Celebrating Engineering Talent appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

Overall effectiveness – Good

– The quality of education – Good
– Behaviour and attitudes – Good
– Personal development – Good
– Leadership and management – Good
– Apprenticeships – Good

Our Ofsted Nominee Ruth Plane says: “At MGTS we have been working hard to ensure that the provision we provide to our apprentices, employers and other stakeholders is to the highest quality. We place an emphasis on ensuring that the apprentice journey not only provides the apprentice with an engineering skillset that meets industry requirements but also gives them a wider life learning experience that helps develop them personally into valuable members of society.

“The week the Inspection team spent with us at MGTS, while a busy week, was actually a positive experience as it allowed us to showcase all the aspects of what we do so well and what we care about so much. I am thrilled that this was recognised by Ofsted and that we have achieved the judgement of Good. The feedback we received during the week has given me the confidence to know that we are definitely on the path to pushing ourselves to strive to be best at what we do!”

The full report is available for download, but here’s a few highlights…

• Apprentices enjoy their learning. They value the opportunity to learn from industry experts and understand the opportunities this presents to their future careers as engineers. Apprentices’ attendance at taught sessions is very high. They are punctual and arrive ready and motivated to learn.
• When attending the training centre, staff set high expectations of apprentices’ behaviour and conduct, reflecting the behaviours expected in the workplace. Apprentices embrace these expectations, and training centres are calm, positive, inclusive spaces where disruptive behaviours are rare.
• Apprentices feel safe, both when in the training centre and in the workplace. They know who to report concerns to, should they arise, and have confidence that any issues would be dealt with swiftly.
• Leaders and managers have high ambitions for apprentices. Most apprentices can study additional or higher-level qualifications alongside their apprenticeship, such as a higher national certificate.
• Apprentices develop their practical skills in industry-relevant, well-resourced training centres and benefit from workshops that mirror the world of work.
• Apprentices receive significant support from tutors to develop their mathematics skills. They are helped to close any gaps in their foundation knowledge before studying advanced, engineering-specific topics.
• Teachers and TDAs use questioning and assessment well to check on learning and to adjust their teaching or target setting. They use the results of formative and summative assessments to set challenging tasks for apprentices who are making rapid progress and to identify and provide additional support to those apprentices who need it.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in the inspection!

The post Super Proud! appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

Jayne Jackson, FE Tutor said: “Our apprentices had four weeks to complete this project and I’ve been impressed by their efforts and how they have demonstrated their understanding of mechanical principles.”

Josh Perry an apprentice with Nasmyth is pictured with his model in which he’s incorporated his own Meccano (a childhood birthday present from his Grandad). Josh tells us: “I was always a fan of putting things together and making things as a child, so a career in engineering seemed like a natural fit for me. I knew I was in good hands with MGTS as both my dad and my uncle did their engineering apprenticeships with MGTS (at Parkside). In fact, my dad trained with Stuart George the current Centre Lead at MGTS Coventry.

Conor Bevan an apprentice with Mapal is pictured demonstrating his CAD skills. He comments: “I’m in the second year of my apprenticeship and really enjoying developing my design skills. During my first year at MGTS I most enjoyed the practical learning in the Centre and was proud to be awarded ‘Mechanical Apprentice of the Year’ in the MGTS 2023 Apprentice awards. At Mapal I’ve also had the opportunity to experience learning within other departments in the business which is great for improving my knowledge and skillset.”

All the apprenticeship Pathways on offer with MGTS, including Product Design and Development, can be viewed here.

The post Engineering Design – Bringing Ideas to Life appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

Jamie emigrated from South Africa in 2021 to pursue a new life here in the UK, moved to Coventry to start his ‘off the job training’ at MGTS in 2022 and is currently completing a Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship at the Quartzelec Rugby facility. Since starting his apprenticeship, Jamie has excelled in every area and has a very strong and positive attitude towards engineering, the organisation and the industry.

“I have always been passionate when it comes to engineering and have had an interest in the field since a young age. My dad is an Engineer and so has always inspired and motivated me to enter and pursue a career in the Engineering world. I chose to pursue an apprenticeship with Quartzelec because they always considered my interests and goals when speaking about the future, and having since joined this hasn’t changed.”

Luke Bennet, MGTS Training & Development Adviser confirmed “Jamie is an outstanding individual and he has exceeded all expectations in his first year as an apprentice. From the moment he started in the Training Centre at MGTS, Jamie impressed everyone with his mature approach, his willingness to learn, and his eagerness to help others. He has always been happy to go above and beyond what is asked of him, and he has consistently produced high-quality work. Jamie was always eager to learn more and took advantage of feedback received to further improve his knowledge and skills. Jamie is a real asset to Quartzelec and a great role model for the other apprentices within the Company. I have no doubt that Jamie will go on to achieve great success within Quartzelec.”

Commenting on the impact that Jamie has made to the Quartzelec business, Neal Parkin, Line Manager confirms, “We are all very proud of the progress that Jamie has made at Quartzelec as he continues to excel in his learning and training and welcomes feedback to ensure he constantly delivers quality solutions. We are looking forward to Jamie’s journey throughout his apprenticeship and know that he will definitely be an asset to the future of the Quartzelec business and the Engineering industry. Well done Jamie!”

Jamie is pictured being presented his award by Giles Lawton (MGTS Chairman of Trustees) and Steve Palmer (MGTS Director of Delivery & Development).

Photography: Dave Warren / Pictureteam

The post Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.

Comments from guests included:

“The MGTS Apprentice Award ceremony in Coventry was a wonderful evening and a privilege to be a part of. It was a pleasure to spend time in the presence of genuine engineering talent alongside those in training and those who attended in support, guidance, and teaching. The event was both inspiring and rewarding.” Simon Oxendale, Regional Head of Engineering at Pro-Pak Foods.

“Clearly so many talented, hard working apprentices on show last night, it was heartwarming so see that the apprenticeship system is alive and well and absolutely thriving.” Martin Tompkins, CAD Manager at IPS-Integrated Project Services LLC.

Winners are decided by the MGTS delivery team and considerations include application to tasks, quality of work, ability to follow instruction, timekeeping and motivation. Here’s what they had to say about the winners.

Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Jamie Hurst, Quartzelec

Jamie is a quiet unassuming character who can adapt to any training scenario and produce work of the highest quality. He is thorough in his approach to all practical and theoretical aspects of the programme. He understands and knows what is expected of him, he picks up new processes and practices quickly which accelerates his ability to develop competence. His sustained level of engagement, application, motivation and interest has served him well throughout the first year of his training and enabled him to develop a focus and determination to succeed at all he undertakes.

Apprentice of the Year (Redditch) – Harry Giddings, UK-NSI

Harry has a fantastic approach to his apprenticeship and the opportunity that UK-NSI have given him. He is dedicated, enthusiastic, motivated, and fully understands what is expected of him. His positive attitude and overall application is excellent and he has an eye for the attention to detail required to produce work of the highest order. He has remained fully engaged from day one and has been a pleasure to teach and train. He is in fact a role model to others as to what the perfect apprentice should look like.

Mechanical Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Conor Bevan, Mapal

Conor has an exceptional mechanical aptitude. He developed knowledge and skills quickly which enabled him to produce an excellent standard of workmanship very early on in his training. The level of application, motivation and effort applied by Conor never wavered throughout the whole of the first-year training period, even when being faced with and exposed to new engineering disciplines.

Maintenance Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Vitalie Andrusca, Expert Tooling & Automation

From the outset Vitalie performed consistently well above average, demonstrating an ability to quickly grasp new subject matter and apply the new skills and knowledge to produce tasks of the highest quality. His methodical, patient, and thorough approach enabled him to maintain that level of competence throughout the training year, performing exceptionally well in the fields of electrical maintenance, fluid power and mechanical maintenance.

Most Improved Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Muaaz Shaikh, Pneuride

Muaaz made relatively slow progress at the start of the training year, achieving only average grades, but once settled his perseverance and endeavour enabled him to grow in confidence and ability. He undertook many additional tasks to cement his level of understanding and subsequently produced work to a consistently high standard. Muaaz excelled in CAD, where he had a real flare.

Most Improved Apprentice of the Year ( Redditch) – Louis Evans, Heller

Louis had a somewhat average start to the academic year recording only satisfactory grades. It wasn’t until half-way through the year that we saw the new focused, engaged and committed Louis who’s full potential was now starting to shine through. The distance travelled from where he started to where he is now is testament to Louis’ hard work and determination to succeed.

Apprentices’ Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Nathan Locker, Cembre

Nathan was nominated by his peers because he’s just a really nice person who got on well with everyone in the Centre, probably due to his slightly extrovert and warming character. Everybody just likes Nathan!

Apprentices’ Apprentice of the Year (Redditch) – Morgan Goode, Thorlux Lighting

Morgan was nominated by his fellow apprentices because they thought he was an outstanding talent and good at everything he turned his hand to. He was always willing to offer support and guidance to his peers when needed. Morgan was a role model for all other apprentices to follow in the Centre.

Advanced Apprentice Graduate Award (Coventry) – Teresa Jones, Dennis Eagle

Teresa is a perfectionist in everything she does and always completes tasks to the best of her ability.  She has a passion for her work and an unrivalled drive to succeed. This was recognised very early on within Dennis Eagle and as a result of her hard work and dedication, Teresa was promoted into a Technical Sales role. This was achieved before her apprenticeship had even concluded, a rare accomplishment and a testament to her skills and abilities. Teresa obtained a distinction for the HNC qualification, as well as passing her End Point Assessment of the apprenticeship, despite going through a tough period in her personal life. Teresa displayed great resilience and determination and did not let this impact on her work. I have no doubt that Teresa will continue to achieve great things and have an extremely successful career.

Advanced Apprentice Graduate Award (Redditch) – Tom Smith, Fuelwood

During his apprenticeship, Tom has consistently met or exceeded all his deadlines and has produced high-quality work. Because of this Tom was able to complete his apprenticeship seven months ahead of schedule. Tom then went on to complete his HNC qualification, achieving a Merit grade. I am particularly impressed with Tom’s willingness to go above and beyond what is asked of him. He is a true asset to the team at Fuelwood and will be a great role model for future apprentices.

Food & Drink Maintenance Engineering 1^st Year Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Ryan Shepherdson, Cranswick Foods

Ryan is exceptionally focused in his approach. He demonstrates a positive attitude, remaining enthusiastic and motivated at all times. He has good attention to detail which then translates into producing workmanship of the highest quality. His ability to maintain this high level of dedication and commitment is a credit it to him and he will undoubtedly flourish as the programme unfolds to become an excellent engineer.

Food & Drink Maintenance Engineering 1^st Year Apprentice of the Year (Redditch) – Daniel Cook, Pro-Pak Foods

Daniel produced an exceptional performance throughout the 20-week block of learning, consistently producing work of the highest standard. His application to every area he worked on was exemplary, coupled with a mature professional approach and a positive attitude.

Food & Drink Maintenance Engineering 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year – Harvrill Brown, Greencore

Harvrill demonstrated a real flare and thirst for knowledge in the second year of his apprenticeship. He demonstrated a fantastic work ethic whilst attending the Centre, being fully focused on his work with good attention to detail. The quality of work produced has been excellent.

Food & Drink Maintenance Engineering 3rd Year Apprentice of the Year – Antony Smith – Morrisons

Antony has performed extremely well over all three phases of training, demonstrating a real understanding of the engineering principles and occupational role requirements for the Food and Drink industry. He is enthusiastic, applies himself well and produces good quality work, plus he is always willing and happy to support others.

Food & Drink Maintenance Engineering Graduate Award – Miranda Poskitt, Heineken & Tommy Andrews, Saputo

This award is for apprentices that have successfully completed all the mandated elements of the Apprenticeship Standard and performed exceptionally well in this particularly challenging four-year apprenticeship programme. We have two clear winners out of this cohort of 47 learners who have achieved Distinctions in both the Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma and End Point Assessment which is an outstanding achievement.

BTEC 1st Year Recognition Award (Coventry) – Maisie Robe, Bachy Soletanche

Maisie has worked hard all year with a consistent attitude to her learning. Where it clearly hasn’t come easy she has achieved really well, having the persistence to take any referrals on assignments and turn them into Distinctions. Maisie is really supportive of her peers, always helping her classmates when they are struggling.

BTEC 1st Year Recognition Award (Redditch) – Kevin Wackrow, UK-NSI

Kevin delivered assignments that were in-depth and he questions things which came out of the teaching to further his understanding. He helped the younger apprentices and was so organised everything was handed in before the due date.

BTEC 1st Year Apprentice of the Year – (Coventry) – Paul Crook, PepsiCo

Undertaking an apprenticeship as a mature learner comes with a set of challenges that the younger apprentices coming from school or college would have little appreciation for. Somebody joining an apprenticeship programme and then undertaking a year in the Technical Centre environment (which is halfway between school and the workplace) will certainly have a massive life adjustment. Also, returning to classroom study after being away from it is not an easy undertaking, however, Paul has been a consistent hard worker and high achiever on the BTEC first year – a really massive achievement, well done!

BTEC 1st Year Apprentice of the Year – (Redditch) – Sian Bowman, LEAR 

Sian has really applied herself well this last year and the effort she has put in is evident in the grades she has achieved over the year. She quietly gets on with the work requiring minimal help or support and does not get distracted by others.

BTEC Programme Recognition Award (Coventry) – Damon Bayliss, Siemens

It was widely agreed amongst the tutors that Damon was always an absolute pleasure to teach and was always known for having a smile on his face. We feel sure that this will continue as he progresses to study with us at HNC level.

BTEC Programme Recognition Award (Redditch) – Daniel Wild, Heller

Daniel has worked really hard over the two years on the BTEC and is deserving of this award for the effort he has put in. He achieved a total of 9 Distinctions and 2 Merits on the Diploma. The fact he has now progressed onto the HNC with us is a real pleasure.

BTEC Programme Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Adam Percival, PepsiCo

Adam has been an apprentice who is quietly brilliant, completing everything that has been asked of him without question and to a really high standard. All the tutors were in complete agreement that this award is well deserved by Adam. It’s great to see that he has progressed on to the HNC with us and we hope to see him up here collecting more awards in the future.

BTEC Programme Apprentice of the Year (Redditch) – Harry Keen, Thorlux Lighting

Harry is an apprentice that we’ve never had to speak to about plagiarism or late assignments or pushing a bit harder to get the level of quality up, he has just worked solidly, producing work to an excellent quality. Harry achieved 9 Distinctions out of 11 units.

BTEC Block Release Award – Jamie Power, Warburtons

Block release is for our second year National apprentices, involving six solid weeks of learning spread across the academic year. It’s intensive and there’s a lot to learn in a short space of time. The assignments come thick and fast and you have to show real determination to get the work completed between each block of learning. Jamie produced a great standard of work and was very capable throughout the block release. He achieved great grades on the Diploma with Merits in Project and Design and Distinctions for everything else.

HNC 1st Year Recognition Award – Pavan Dhaddy, Ardagh Group

Pavan works really hard, listens to instructions and follows them, puts in tremendous effort with his assignments and following on from his success with the BTEC is now carrying on in the same vein with the HNC. Pavan is polite, pleasant and always contributes to every lesson…even when he had Covid he couldn’t bear to miss out and zoomed in!

HNC Programme Apprentice of the Year (Coventry) – Meral Irkan, PepsiCo

Meral is an absolute star. She produces excellent work on her assignments by really making sure she has the level of understanding required to produce the highest standard of work. When the tutors were asked for feedback about Meral it was all very high praise: “When Meral writes an assignment you get a book not a report!” Another said: “Outstanding and consistent quality of work – I think she is quite possibly after my job!”

HNC Programme Apprentice of the Year (Redditch) – Andrew Matheson, William King Group

Andrew was always an absolute pleasure to teach and really did work hard to produce the highest quality of work, from BTEC Year 1 right up to completion on the HNC.

Mentor Recognition Awards

The role of the Mentor is of paramount importance to the training and development of apprentices in the workplace. Employers that achieve the greatest success with apprenticeship programmes are those that have dedicated staff who work with and manage the apprenticeship training plan at site. These people are the unsung heroes of apprenticeships and have the responsibility for developing the next generation of our engineers. Voted for by MGTS Training & Development Advisers we recognise and celebrate the efforts of the following apprentice Mentors:

• Terry Bishop – Cranswick Foods
• Chris Gilbert – Warburtons
• Martin Tompkins – IPS-Integrated Project Solutions

Employer Recognition Awards

These awards are to recognise employers who have consistently supported the apprenticeship programme, recruited apprentices year on year and really value what the apprenticeship programme can bring in the form of developing the next generation of engineers to ensure their businesses are effective, efficient and productive.
Congratulations to:

• Ardagh Group
• Molson Coors
• Morrisons
• Warburtons

Thank you to everyone that attended and supported our 2023 Apprenticeship Awards to make it such an enjoyable evening.

Photography: Dave Warren – Pictureteam

The post MGTS Apprenticeship Awards 2023 appeared first on Midland Group Training Services.