The Institution of Engineering and Technology has launched its 2014 competition for its apprentice and technicians of the year.
The IET’s annual competition to identify the most promising apprentice, technician and armed forces technician in the UK has begun.
Winners will walk away with £1,000 each, two years free membership of the IET and payment of their technician professional registration fees.
The awards, which are in their second year, aim to raise the profile of the value that UK apprentices and technicians contribute to engineering businesses.
This can be through outstanding engineering and technical understanding and ability, or by taking on an ambassadorial role in schools, through volunteer work or as role models.
Barry Brooks, IET President, said: “These awards provide an opportunity for all in the profession to celebrate the best apprentices and technicians.
“As part of our Professional Home for Life® for engineers and technicians, the IET is keen to recognise and support those who are inspiring the next generation of engineering stars.
Mr Brooks also said the awards could play an important role in inspiring more young people to follow vocational careers in engineering at a time when government is throeing its support behind STEM growth.
One of last year’s winners was Andrew Knowles, a Project & Reliability Engineer at Merseyrail. On winning the award he said: “I was not only delighted to have won the IET Technician of the Year award but in addition it has had a fantastically positive impact on my career. The award confirmed my decision to enter into this fascinating sector, something which I would urge other young people to consider.”
The deadline for entry into this competition is May 30.
This year’s winners will be announced at the IET Achievement Awards Ceremony on November 19 in London.
Find out more about the criteria for the IET’s Apprentice and Technician Awards and apply online at www.theiet.org/apprentice-awards.
