Apprentice named Outstanding Learner of the Year at 15th In-Comm Training Awards

Overcoming language barriers, inspiring the next generation of industry professionals and introducing major improvement activities helped a Birmingham apprentice take the main title at the In-Comm Training Awards.

Polish-born Aurelia Wojtowicz was crowned Outstanding Learner of the Year on Friday July 3 in front of 400 people at The Halls Wolverhampton, following her earlier triumph in securing the Business Support title.

Working at global precision-cutting tools specialist Guhring, the forward-thinking apprentice impressed the judges with her technical understanding, continuous improvement mindset and commitment to supporting engineering operations.

She consistently demonstrated an ability to identify opportunities to improve processes while making a valuable contribution to the wider business, including delivering her own experiences of training to local school pupils and young people considering a career in industry.

Backed by main sponsor Ansaldo Nuclear for the first time, the 15th annual In-Comm Training Awards also saw Morgan Scott achieve the prestigious Most Improved Learner of the Year title.

The Forbo Flooring Systems advanced apprentice has built a host of logic and communication skills, embracing new opportunities and becoming a role model for others.

Bekki Phillips, executive director at In-Comm Training, said it was the biggest celebration of vocational learning ever held in the Midlands.

She added: “We first launched this competition in 2009 and back then we had just 20 finalists and over 100 people attend.

“Fast forward to our 15th awards evening and we’ve attracted a record-breaking 125 finalists and a crowd of 400.”

And she said of Aurelia: “She is a fantastic role model for others to follow and is already spreading the vocational learning gospel and getting more young people to consider a career in engineering!”

The In-Comm Training Awards, which was held for the first time at The Halls Wolverhampton, gave finalists chance to celebrate their achievements in front of their peers, mentors, and employers.

In addition to the young stars, companies were also in the spotlight for the way they invest in the next generation of talent and how they develop the engineers and professionals of the future.

FBC Manby Bowdler and Alwayse Engineering won the Large and SME Awards respectively, with the latter impressing for the range of apprenticeship programmes and the way it influences curriculums and quality standards.

Gareth Jones, managing director In-Comm Training, concluded: “What an evening and what a way to celebrate all the stars of vocational learning in one place.

“There was also time to pay our respects to Michael Orlik, who sadly passed away earlier this year. He was a great champion of young people and through his kind £25,000 donation to our STEM fund has already helped 700 pupils gain new experiences and skills.”

The In-Comm Training Awards were sponsored by Ansaldo Nuclear, aarc, Accura Engineering, Assa Abloy, Brandauer, Crowe, EAL, Gestamp and Magna Cosma Castings.