Two apprentices have more than most to celebrate during National Apprenticeship Week after winning national awards at a ceremony in London.
Anton James Barrick, 20, an apprentice with Perkins Engines Company in Peterborough and Johnathan Hindhaugh, 18, of Northumberland-based Piramal Healthcare were awarded the IET Outstanding Achievement by an apprentice awards at the first EEF Future Manufacturing awards. Although EEF has been running regional apprentice awards across England and Wales for a number of years, this was the first time that regional winners competed for a national award.
Anton Barrick, who won the final year apprentice award, completed his NVQ Level 3 in only months — and all other elements of his apprenticeship studies within two years. According to Steve Evans, Professor of Life Cycle Engineering at Cranfield University, who chaired panel, the judges were roundly impressed by Anton’s attitude and abilities. “We were won over by his enthusiasm, ingenuity, problem solving ability and thirst for improving efficiency. And, quite simply, by the pleasure he takes in his work” he said.
Hindhaugh, who won the first year apprentice award, was charged with managing Piramal Healthcare’s AV equipment and supporting the company’s helpdesk. “Jonathan is dedicated, enthusiastic and keen to grasp opportunities. He values the training he’s getting and has taken it upon himself to improve his knowledge, and is an ambassador for the industry and a worthy winner” says Professor Evans.
Both winners encouraged others to become apprentices; “It provides incomparable work-based learning opportunities combined with external college training, and is an ideal way to enter the world of work” said Hindhaugh. Barrick said, “I plan to progress through the part-time academic route through college to University and to achieve a degree. I will then work to become a fully chartered engineer.”
