Matthew Hunter, design development engineer and former apprentice at global engineering company,
Renishaw, was awarded the Frederic Barnes Waldron 'Best Student' award at the end of December 2020.
He was nominated by the head of engineering at the University of South Wales after achieving a first-class honours degree in mechanical engineering.
The award is presented on behalf of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on the recommendation of the head of department at each university. Every year, the award is handed out to an outstanding undergraduate student who is an affiliate member of the IMechE and is studying towards an IMechE-accredited degree.
Matthew said: “I have gained invaluable knowledge from Renishaw engineers that helped me achieve my first-class degree. They have helped me to develop my general engineering understanding that I can apply to both company projects and academic assessments.
“My love of engineering started when I made and raced Greenpower electric cars with my father and brother as a child and I have found the same enjoyment in engineering during my time as an apprentice.
“An apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to work and study simultaneously to gain the qualifications and experience required for my future career.”
Hugo Derrick, technical fellow at Renishaw, said: “Matthew has been a great addition to the team, and it is fantastic to work with him. Renishaw has always prided itself on its innovative thinkers and Matthew’s award justly recognises his outstanding academic achievements and ability to generate novel solutions.”
Renishaw offers a range of award-winning apprenticeship programmes in engineering, manufacturing, software, IT and embedded electronics engineering. An apprenticeship at Renishaw is an opportunity to earn while you learn, and degree-level apprentices can obtain their university qualifications with no student debt.
Further benefits include a competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, with on-site gyms, medical insurance and pension.
For more information about Renishaw’s apprenticeships, or to apply please visit the website (
www.renishaw.com/apprentice).