Young engineers shine at aerospace awards

The ceremony, held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester, saw five prizes handed out to the region's brightest and best, along with the training providers and universities supporting their work.
Guest speaker Richard Noble OBE, director of the Bloodhound supersonic car project, told the audience of the story behind the groundbreaking project which aims to break the 1,000mph speed barrier, and praised the work of the young engineers.

He said: “It's thrilling to see some of the exciting activities these young people are involved in. The country needs them, and engineering needs them – we need to innovate and they are our future.”

The top prize, the AV Roe Trophy, which recognises the North West's best apprentice, went to Alan Maguire of BAE Systems at Samlesbury, whose training is run by Xchanging HR Services.

The Irene Short Trophy, honouring the practical skills of the region's apprentices through submitted pieces of test work went to Chris Wilkinson from Barnoldswick. Mr Wilkinson works at Burnley-based engineering and surface treatment specialists Hycrome, and his training is organised by Training 2000.

Studying at Salford University, another major honour was made to Sathyakumar Sharma who won the Sir Frank Whittle Award. This prize honours the student at a North West university whose final year project is rated highest against the criteria of innovation and potential for commercial application.

The ceremony also highlighted the work being carried out by the training and education establishments that support the region's students and apprentices. The Training Provider Trophy went to Deeside College, while the North West Best University Award went to Salford University.

All awards were sponsored by Rolls-Royce except for Best University, which was sponsored by BAE Systems. Additional event sponsors were Unison Engine Components, Training 2000, MBDA, Xchanging HR Services and Nelson and Colne College.

The awards are part of the NWAA's Take off In Aerospace Campaign aimed at encouraging young people into the industry by changing the image of aerospace and engineering jobs.

NWAA
www.aerospace.co.uk