The achievements of some of the best young apprentices and adult learners in the West Midlands were in the spotlight this week as the In-Comm Training Annual Awards came to a glittering finale.
More than 250 people packed into the Bescot Stadium in Walsall to recognise 16 rising stars of engineering and manufacturing that are helping local companies grow at home and abroad.
Taking the main plaudits on the night was Tyler Groves, who was named as The Peter Wood Outstanding Learner of the Year after impressing bosses at Birmingham-based Truflo Marine.
The Advanced Apprentice is an important part of the team, excelling in completing tasks and showing his initiative to offer solutions to shop floor issues.
He was joined on stage by Wednesbury-based Bradken UKs John Clark, who received the Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year for his desire to take on new processes and procedures to develop both himself and other workers.
In-Comm Training and Business Services Rebecca Phillips picked up the story:
We are committed to developing the next generation of workers and also helping existing engineers improve their skills so they can tackle new challenges and seek promotion.
These awards are designed to promote the achievements of individuals who are striving to be the best they can be and the importance of Apprenticeships in making this happen and giving companies the skills they need to compete.
She continued: Some of the awards are also for the employers, who, without them, none of this would be possible. They have to show a certain level of time and financial commitment to give their staff these opportunities.
2013 has definitely been the best yet, both in terms of the volume of entries and their outstanding quality.
Guests at the In-Comm Annual Awards were treated to a personal address from Skills Minister Matthew Hancock, whilst Councillor Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, presented the trophies to the winners.
These included Employer of the Year to B Mason and Sons and a special award from Darlaston Rotary Club in memory of Doug Bridgwood, a local engineer who died last year.