Mazak’s apprenticeship excellence recognised

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Group Training Association (HWGTA) has recognised the achievements of the current Yamazaki Mazak apprentice cohort, with as many as four apprentices in receipt of annual apprentice awards.

This year’s ceremony acknowledged winners from both the 2020 and 2021 intakes due to the previous year’s ceremony’s postponement due to the pandemic, and recognised how apprentices have adapted their approach to learning and development under these circumstances.

Mazak apprentice, Harrison Booth, saw his growth in confidence and willingness to learn recognised with the 2020 Engineering Personal Development award. Tamar Wilkins, one of Mazak’s more experienced team members, was also awarded the 2020 Management Apprentice of the Year award. The 33-year-old recently undertook an Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) course to sharpen his skills, before achieving a distinction in his end point assessment.

John Hancocks scooped the 2020 Best Senior Craft Apprentice award in recognition of his hard work and diligence. Joe Green, the first HWGTA Engineering Apprentice to go through the new apprenticeship standard and end point assessment, received the 2021 edition of the same award after being promoted to team leader before completing his apprenticeship.

Richard Smith, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “From the outset, it has always been our goal to ensure that our apprentices are equipped with the support necessary to maximise their potential, so to see as many as four apprentices receive awards speaks volumes about the overall quality of our 2020 and 2021 contingents.”

This development follows the recent announcement that Yamazaki Mazak will be maintaining its apprentice intake this year despite pandemic-based disruption. To date, over 200 apprentices have successfully qualified through the company’s scheme, with 17 joining this year.

Mr Smith concluded: “Investing in the next generation will no doubt be a significant factor in ensuring that British manufacturing continues to flourish. As such, the success of our apprentices is fantastic news and we celebrate this achievement.

“The four students who received awards this year offer only a small glimpse into the many achievements of our most recent cohorts. We strongly believe that with Mazak’s continued support, these individuals will have wonderful careers and that the future of the sector is safe in their hands.”

Yamazaki Mazak
www.mazakeu.co.uk/apprenticeships/