A young apprentice that thrives on ‘proving the doubters wrong’ has been named as the
Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for the West Midlands.
Magna Cosma Casting’s Marcelina Hrynkiewicz overcame the challenge of more than 120 of
her peers to secure the main honour in front of over 400 people at the In-Comm Training
Awards in Birmingham on Friday.
Judges praised the Telford technician’s dedication and commitment to achieving personal
and technical growth, as well as her natural leadership that is prevalent in the quality of
projects she delivers.
Backed by main sponsor the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) for the seventh time, the
high-profile ceremony saw Alexandru Paunescu achieve Most Improved Learner of the Year.
The Epson UK engineer has not let barriers stop him from achieving his career goals and he
has shown a passion for gaining the necessary qualifications required to succeed within the
UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector.
In addition to the young apprentices, companies were also in the spotlight for the way they
back the next generation of talent and how they continue to invest in their workforces.
Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land and Accura Engineering won the Large Company and SME
Awards respectively, with the latter impressing the judging panel with its extensive
apprenticeship programme and its ability to retain young talent.
Bekki Phillips, Chief Operating Officer at In-Comm Training, praised the diversity and quality
of the entries: “We are finally seeing vocational learning being given the credit it deserves,
and this is starting to get through to young people, with 92% of school pupils now happy to
consider an apprenticeship.
“And you can see why when you look at what this year’s finalists are achieving and the
difference they are making to companies involved in aerospace, automotive, medical,
motorsport, nuclear and defence.
She continued: “Shouting louder about apprenticeships is why we set up these awards and
why they continue to be the biggest competition of their type in the UK. It’s imperative we
shine the light on young people, mentors and employers who are helping drive industry
forward.”
This was the thirteenth year the In-Comm Training Awards have been held and gave over 90
finalists the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in front of their peers, mentors, and
employers.
Other winners included:
Caitlin Findlay (Penny Post Credit Union): Business Support
Marcelina Hrynkiewicz (Magna Cosma Castings): Professional Services
Harry Galt (Mueller Europe): Foundation Engineering & Manufacturing – Aldridge
Jessica Wooldridge (HL Smith): Foundation Engineering & Manufacturing – Telford
Ben Speed (Assa Abloy): Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing – Aldridge
Daniel Clinton (Beakbane): Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing - Telford
Ashley Kimberley (Assa Abloy): Apprentice Champion of the Year
Nathan Bould (Hoshizaki) – Higher Engineering & Manufacturing - Telford
Gareth Jones, Managing Director In-Comm Training, concluded: “We have enjoyed a record
year when it comes to apprenticeship intakes and, encouragingly, we are seeing more
interest from female engineers and those from more diverse backgrounds.
“As a training provider we are doing our bit, continually investing in our world class technical
academies in Aldridge and Telford and building stronger partnerships with employers. With
the possibility of a new Government imminent, we are urging whoever gets in power to take
measures to boost their commitment to vocational learning both in the short and the long-
term.”
The In-Comm Training Awards were made possible by headline sponsor the Engineering
Technology Group (ETG) and other sponsors, including Assa Abloy, Black Country Chamber
of Commerce, Collins Aerospace, Crowe LLP, EAL, FBC Manby Bowdler, Gestamp, In-
Comm TMG, MAGNA and the Peter Wood Memorial charity.
For further information, please visit www.in-comm.co.uk or follow @incomm_training
on twitter
Caption for Award Group Winners (L): (l-r rear) Caitlin Findlay (Penny Post Credit
Union), Jessica Wooldridge (HL Smith), Marcelina Hrynkiewicz (Magna Cosma
Casting), Alexandru Paunescu (Epson), Rebecca Smith (Accura Engineering), Ashley
Kimberley (Assa Abloy)
(l-r front) Ben Speed (Assa Abloy), Harry Galt (Mueller Europe), Nathan Bould
(Hoshizaki) and Daniel Clinton (Beakbane)