Niftylift’s apprentice team, Elevation Nation, has claimed victory in the
2025 IMechE Apprentice Automation Challenge (AAC), marking the company’s second consecutive triumph in this prestigious national competition. The finals, held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, attracted a record 17 apprentice teams from across the UK. Each team was tasked with designing and presenting an innovative automated product for use in the home or garden.
Niftylift impressed judges with its Automated Stirrer, a practical kitchen aid that delivers hands-free stirring to make cooking easier. The product combines functionality with thoughtful design, offering adjustable speed settings and greater convenience for time-sensitive tasks.
Chief judge Toby Heagarty said: “The winning team significantly impressed with their presentation skills. The prototype they developed showed iteration over time into their final product and the significant amount of research they had done into the market was a key factor in the judges’ decision.”
Karl Digby, Niftylift’s apprentice development manager, added: “The team should be really proud of themselves for the work they put in. They have been excellent ambassadors for the company and for the apprenticeship scheme. This result reflects their talent, teamwork, and determination to succeed.”
Pictured right: Elevation Nation's Automated Stirrer prototypeRoger Bowden, Niftylift’s chairman and founder, said: “This achievement is a testament to the enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism of our young engineers. To see two different Niftylift teams win this competition in consecutive years is remarkable and reflects the strength of our apprenticeship programme. Our apprentices continue to make us proud, not only through their technical skill but also their passion for engineering innovation.”
This year’s success follows Niftylift’s 2024 win, when another team of apprentices, Elevate Elite, took the top spot. Two members of the 2025 team, Paigan Huish and Ben Gillow, also featured in last year’s line up, earning the rare distinction of back-to-back victories.
The 2025 team comprises Paigan Huish (team leader), George Mott (product design lead), Haydn Nixon (product design support), Ben Gillow (coding and electronics lead), and Ewan Bell (coding and electronics support). Their mentor, Mr Digby, along with Niftylift’s training and HR teams, provided guidance throughout the project, supporting the development of the prototype from concept to completion.
Now in its 11th year, the
IMechE Apprentice Automation Challenge continues to grow in scale and reputation, offering young engineers the opportunity to demonstrate creativity, problem-solving ability, and practical engineering skills in a professional setting.