SW apprentices recognised by BEMA

A BEMA product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 17, 2002

Apprentices from two Bristol companies have received awards from the South West's engineering trade body BEMA for their outstanding performance over the past year.

Apprentices from two Bristol companies have received awards from the South West's engineering trade body BEMA for their outstanding performance over the past year.

Every year BEMA awards its Apprentice of the Year Award to the region's most impressive apprentice, and this year the organisation added a 'runner up' award for the apprentice showing the most promise.

The Apprentice of the Year award was won by John Hughes, a third year apprentice at Strachan and Henshaw.

It is the second time in three years that the award has been won by an employee of the firm.

On his award Hughes, 19, commented: "Engineering was always my first choice of career so I'm very pleased to be with a firm which takes its training and development so seriously.

Having gained experience in fitting, machining and maintenance, I'm hoping to move into engineering design as my specialism.

I hope that like many other of the company's past apprentices, I can progress upwards and build a career here".

Strachan and Henshaw, a member of the Weir Group, specialises in high-integrity engineering applications for the defence, nuclear and waste management industries worldwide.

Colin Murray, Production Manager at S and H, added: "We are delighted that John has been rewarded by BEMA for the enthusiastic and valuable contribution he has made throughout his apprenticeship.

Working in such industries where safety and performance are so critical, our staff are trained to the very highest standards at every level.

We have always taken our apprentice programmes seriously and are very pleased that BEMA has endorsed our approach with John's award".

Among his qualifications, Hughes has achieved his National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering - a requirement of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme - and through his company is currently progressing onto the Higher National Diploma course.

The award for the Most Promising Apprentice of the Year was won by first year apprentice Michael Hurn of Montpellier based BCG (Computers).

Hurn, 17, is looking forward to a future with BCG: "Working on the programming and installation of touch screen EPOS (electronic point of sale) systems for the hospitality trade, I have gained a great deal of hands-on experience in a dynamic environment".

Tim Burgess, Support Manager at BCG added: "With hospitality proving to be one of the fastest growing industries, Michael is well placed to develop a successful career in user-friendly EPOS applications to support its expansion.

He has already proved himself to be a valued member of the BCG team and we are delighted that he has received recognition from BEMA".

As well as receiving certificates from BEMA President Andrew Putin to acknowledge their hard work, both apprentices received vouchers (GBP 150 for John Hughes and GBP 75 for Michael Hurn) to spend on tools and books to help them to progress their skills.

Over the past 5 years 41 apprentices have passed through BEMA's apprenticeship programme.

Currently the organisation is monitoring and assessing the performance of 40 apprentices throughout the South West.