Top grades, dedication and going the extra mile have resulted in 21-year old Rhian Perrin being named as Airbus in the UK Apprentice of the Year 2012 for the Broughton plant.
Ms Perrin, from Coedpoeth, was one of more than 400 members of staff recognised at ceremonies in Chester for a range of learning including apprenticeships and distance learning for a range of qualifications including NVQs and degrees.
During her three-year Higher Engineering Apprenticeship, completed in November, Rhian took a leading role in a design project which saved the company €850,000 and she has been described by her managers as a credit to the apprenticeship scheme and Airbus.
Receiving her award from Welsh Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert AM, Perrin said: “I’m really made up to receive this award. I’ve had a great three years as an apprentice and it has also developed me as a person.
“When I joined Airbus I had no experience of engineering, but the apprenticeship has given me experience of working for a major manufacturer and has also given me the opportunity to study for my degree and other qualifications.”
The former Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Trefor Jones CBE, presented the Freddie Roberts Memorial Trust awards for the best performing apprentice. These were won by Devon Sumner, 22, from Saltney, for her first year performance; Tom Sheils 22 from Ellesmere Port for his second year and Peter Olsson, 30, from Penyffordd for his third year.
Mr Jones was himself a craft apprentice at the Broughton factory, having started with DeHavilland in 1955 when he was 16, and is a keen supporter of apprenticeships.
