While there is no doubt that UK engineering needs more recruits, the success of our Young Engineer bears witness that there is plenty of ability among our recent professionals.
Once again, the Pump Centre celebrated engineering excellence at the Young Engineer Awards at our special members’ evening on Wednesday 10th May.
This year, the awards were presented in three categories, in which young engineers were nominated by their companies. All shortlisted candidates were also eligible for the Derek Jackson Award, recognising a candidate whose outstanding achievements warranted special recognition.
The 2023 winner of the apprentice category was Apprentice Mechanical Engineer, Sidney Swingler from M&N. Aside from gaining hands-on experience from every part of the business process, they also used initiative to create a bespoke spreader beam that significantly improved a daily task, making it safer and more efficient.
Taylor Stevens, Commissioning Engineer at Bridges Electrical, was presented with the 2023 Technician Young Engineer Award. Alongside his responsibilities of designing and manufacturing control panels, he also trains and mentors apprentices, creating tailored programmes for each individual.
The 2023 winner of the professional category was Ben Read of United Utilities, who is the lead mechanical engineer on multiple capital projects and provides technical engineering support to the business. He is the custodian company representative to several technical standards and has completed a project management role which achieved a saving of greater than £5 million in capital investment
The 2023 Derek Jackson Special Achievement Award was given to Apprentice Mechanical Technician at Wessex Water, Joe Bagg, who works in the mechanical optimisation team, carrying out tests of existing sewerage pumping stations and water recycling systems. He is also responsible for preparing and submitting prepared improvements across the site works.
At the awards ceremony the winners were presented with an engraved plaque, alongside a £250 gift voucher and a one-day Pump Centre training course worth up to £450.
We’d like to thank Rockwell Automation once again for sponsoring the awards. Their continued support is appreciated greatly.
The Pump Centre would like to thank and congratulate all of the Young Engineers nominated for this year’s awards and we wish them all the very best in their future careers.
Do you know someone worthy of a Young Engineer Award?
Nominations are open now until the 30th November for next year’s awards - don’t miss out on your opportunity to recognise and support young talent within your company!
Visit www.waterequipmentshow.com for more information about completing the nomination form.
