From top left clockwise: Ann Watson MBE, Alexia Williams MBE, Dr. Ian Ritchey OBE and Sir Jim McDonald.
Four senior figures from engineering and manufacturing skills charity Enginuity have been recognised by His Majesty King Charles III, in what the organisation has described as a significant endorsement of its work supporting the sector.
Enginuity Chief Executive Ann Watson and trustee Alexia Williams were both awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for services related to skills development in engineering and manufacturing.
Related reading: Rolls-Royce engineer Alexia Williams honoured with MBE
Deputy Chair Dr. Ian Ritchey has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), while Chair Sir Jim McDonald was recently appointed to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, one of the highest honours bestowed by the monarch and limited to just 16 Knights and Ladies outside the Royal Family.
The honours recognise the contributions of the four leaders to addressing skills shortages and supporting workforce development across the UK’s engineering and manufacturing industries.
Watson, who grew up in South Bank on Teesside and is an alumnus of Teesside University, joined the Enginuity Group in 1998 and became chief executive in 2015. Her late father worked as a welder at British Steel.
Responding to the honour, Watson said she was “personally humbled and delighted” to receive the recognition.
“The fact that three of my esteemed colleagues have also been honoured gives me particular pride and pleasure.
“Our work to close the skills gap, support the engineering and manufacturing sector, and ensure that young people can access rewarding and engaging career opportunities has never been more important.
“This recognition is not only a great personal honour, but also a reflection of the vital contribution our sector makes to the UK’s economy and future prosperity.”
– Ann Watson MBE.
She added that she hoped the recognition would bring “renewed confidence and momentum” to those working across the engineering and manufacturing sector.
Enginuity works to help address skills challenges facing manufacturers and engineering employers, supporting workforce development and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in the industry.
The latest honours come as the UK continues to focus on tackling skills shortages in key industrial sectors and strengthening the pipeline of future talent needed to support economic growth.
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