Birmingham engineer takes the main prize at In-Comm Training Awards

The double-haul marks the 21-year-old’s impressive development and his role in helping to identify the measurement equipment required to secure the company’s first ever pharma contract for the Middle East - a project that could be worth in excess of £1 million annually.

He was joined on stage by his colleague James Arnold, who impressed judges with his maturity and determination to drive sales at sister business CB Cable Clips to take the ‘Learner of the Year - Business Support Award’.

Employer of the Year was won by Black Country’s Fablink UK, a specialist manufacturer of metal pressings, operator cab assemblies, fuel and hydraulic tanks and complex structures.

The Wolverhampton-based firm, which also has facilities in Northampton and Darlington, currently employs 20 apprentices - making up 5% of its permanent workforce.

It works to promote vocational learning in schools and has introduced a new senior manager apprenticeship programme to help it highlight the career progression available for people joining the business.

Bekki Phillips, joint Managing Director at In-Comm Training, commented: “There has been a lot of negativity surrounding apprenticeships this year, with the national media quick to put the proverbial boot into the Levy and how it is failing employers across the UK.

“Talk of the number of ‘starts’ being down and large businesses turning the back on vocational training have dominated the headlines, but that’s only part of the story and last week we had the opportunity to tell the other half.

“The annual In-Comm Training Awards provides a fantastic platform to even the playing field and inform people about the amazing things that are happening in the West Midlands and highlight the companies that deliver anything from outstanding professional services advice to those making components that help drive the latest aircraft, cars and medical innovations.”

She continued: “We recognised and celebrated the best of the region’s vocational talent… the stars of business and industry and, more than likely, the business leaders of the future that are helping their employers work smarter, launch new products and services and, importantly, increase sales.”

Headline sponsor for the event was the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), one of the UK’s leading machine tools suppliers. Chloe Reeve, technical co-ordinator and former apprentice, was one of the judges for this year’s competition.

In-Comm Training www.in-comm.co.uk