‘Fantastic ambassador’ at In-Comm Training Awards

A Black Country toolmaker that is a ‘fantastic ambassador’ for vocational learning has been crowned as the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year. Accura Engineering’s Ethan Austin beat off the challenge of more than 100 of his peers to secure the prestigious title at the In-Comm Training Awards in Birmingham on Friday (11 July).

More than 420 people from 50 different companies heard how he had shown exceptional commitment to both technical and professional development and is the youngest apprentice at the company to be trusted in customer-facing roles. Judges also commented on his track record in supporting improvement projects that save money and boost productivity.

Backed by main sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) for the eighth time, the high-profile ceremony also saw Lee Trevor achieve Most Improved Learner of the Year. The Magna Cosma Castings engineer has recovered from a shaky start to become a person to go to if you need something doing, helping to improve production and generate cost savings for the Telford business.

Bekki Phillips, In-Comm Training’s executive director, praised the most diverse selection of entries yet. She said: “This is the 14th year of our awards, and the competition has intensified yet again, with young people and mature learners continuing to deliver positive impacts on shopfloors and businesses around the West Midlands.

Putting apprenticeships in the spotlight
She continued: “We have got apprentices making a massive difference to SMEs, major automotive suppliers, nuclear businesses and even a water safety specialist. It is so important to tell these individual stories and put apprenticeships on the map for future generations to consider.”

Pictured left: Carina Smith (RBSL), In-Comm Training’s ‘apprentice champion’

“We also used the evening to recognise some of our STEM champions like Howmet, Brandauer, Steve Tilsley and Michael Orlik, with the latter donating over £25,000 to a fund in memory of his wife Susan. This money has helped us engage with more than 12 schools and over 700 pupils. The difference that has made to young people is unprecedented.”

The In-Comm Training Awards, which were held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, gave over 100 finalists the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in front of their peers, mentors, and employers. In addition to the young stars, companies were also in the spotlight for the way they continue to invest in the next generation of talent and how they develop the engineers and professionals of the future.

Holistic approach
Assa Abloy and VA Technology won the ‘large company’ and ‘SME awards’ respectively, with the latter impressing the judging panel with its holistic approach to vocational learning and ensuring that there is an apprentice in every part of the business.

Other winners included: Carina Smith (RBSL), ‘apprentice champion’; Chelsea Dudley (Nant), ‘business support’; Kian James Soloman (Frederick Cooper), ‘professional services’; Shiv Sharma (Magna Cosma Castings), Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation – Telford; Abbie Clinton (Collins Aerospace), engineering and manufacturing advanced – Telford; Harry Galt (Müller Europe), ‘engineering and manufacturing foundation’ – Aldridge; Ethan Austin (Accura Engineering:, ‘engineering and manufacturing advanced - Aldridge; and Andrew Wright (Gestamp Tallent), engineering and manufacturing higher education.

Gareth Jones, In-Comm Training’s managing director, concluded: “The excitement in the room was palpable and you can really tell there is a positive vibe around apprenticeships, and we want to grow this. It was the perfect time to promote our I’m Included, I’m In-Comm campaign, which is all about promoting inclusivity and diversity in engineering. The video went down really well on the evening and I am sure there will be a lot more ambassadors pushing the message out there for us.”

The In-Comm Training Awards were made possible by headline sponsor the Engineering Technology Group and other sponsors, including Accura Engineering, Ansaldo Nuclear, Assa Abloy, Brandauer, Confederation of British Metalforming, Crowe, EAL, FBC Manby Bowdler, Gestamp, Guhring and METSEC.