Young North West engineers honoured

The region’s best young aerospace engineers have been honoured at the North West Aerospace Alliance New Talent Awards.

The ceremony, held at the Imperial War Museum, Manchester, saw prizes handed out to the region’s brightest and best, along with the training providers which support their work.

The top prize, which recognises the North West’s Best Apprentice, went to Bradley Hodgeson of BAE Systems, sponsored by Neville Gee. The runner-up prize, sponsored by Preston College, was awarded to Zayanam Mansor of Burnley-based Hycrome.

Other award winners in the North West Best Aerospace/Defence Apprentice Awards included Xchanging HR Services who carried off the training provider trophy sponsored by Rock FM/Boom Radio, and Michael Williams of Aircelle who scooped the One to Watch trophy, sponsored by The Manufacturing Institute.

The awards are part of the NWAA’s Take off In Aerospace Campaign aimed at encouraging young people into the industry by changing the image of aerospace and engineering jobs.

Dr David Bailey, operations director at NWAA, said: “The New Talent Awards are a significant part of the calendar for young engineers in the region.

“It’s great to see the exciting activities that these young people are involved in.  There is a skills gap in the engineering sector and these young award winners represent the future of the industry.” “The awards also recognise the supporting role played by employers and training providers who develop the skills and talent of these exceptional young people.”