Posted by: Amiee Category: ASCE2,NWAA news Date: Monday, February 13, 2012

The region’s best young aerospace engineers were honoured at last night’s (Thursday) North West Aerospace Alliance New Talent Awards.

The ceremony, held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester, saw prizes handed out to the region’s brightest and best, along with the training providers and universities which support their work.

Speaking at the awards were Mike Sayer and Mark Byass of the Bentley Torpedalo Team, who talked of their own challenge which will take place later this year when they hope to raise £250,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Make-a-Wish by pedalling a boat more than 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic.

The top prize, the AV Roe Trophy, which recognises the North West’s Best Apprentice, went to Jenny Westworth of BAE Systems, Warton, sponsored by Unison Engine Components.

The Irene Short Trophy, honouring the best apprentice from a smaller company, went to Nick Walton of Unison Engine Components.

Paul Scott, of the University of Liverpool, scooped the coveted Sir Frank Whittle Award, which 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, sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

Other award winners in the North West Best Aerospace/Defence Apprentice Awards included Xchanging HR Services who carried off the training provider trophy, and Nigel Woods of Kilgour Industries who took the One to Watch trophy, sponsored by BAE Systems.

Young guest speaker Andrew Fielding, a time-served apprentice at MBDA and winner of the 2008 North West Best Apprentice Award, recounted his own experience. Andrew recently represented the UK at the World Skills event held in London, competing against apprentices from around the world. The ceremony also highlighted the work being carried out by the training and education establishments which support the region’s students and apprentices.

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.

Neil McKay, chairman of the NWAA, said: “The New Talent Awards are becoming a significant part of the calendar for young engineers, and we’re proud to run an initiative which is held in such high esteem.

“There is a major skills gap in the engineering sector which must be filled, and these young award winners represent the future of the industry.

“We also recognise the role played by the employers and the training providers and their contribution in supporting these bright young people in the aerospace and advanced engineering industries.”

Sponsors of the event also included: MBDA, Training 2000, Wallwork Heat Treatments, Nelson and Colne College, Preston College and East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

(L-R) Mike Sayer, Torpedalo team; Jenny Westworth, Winner of the AV Roe trophy; Mark Byass, Torpedalo team.