Three apprentices from Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) have picked up awards at a prestigious Midlands regional manufacturing awards ceremony.
The awards, sponsored by legal firm Bevan Brittan and organised by manufacturers’ organisation Make UK, were held in Warwick to recognise the achievements of companies and apprentices from across the Midlands. The winners will now go forward to the national finals which will be held in London in January.
Jack Sears was given the winning award in the Business Apprentice Final Year category. Jack joined the business in 2017 and completed a ‘Level 4 Project Management’ apprenticeship. As a member of RBSL’s ‘industrialisation team’, he is now involved in transforming the company’s site in Telford into a world-class manufacturing facility ahead of delivering major programmes for the UK MOD. He is actively involved in managing strategic elements of the plan, including supporting the HR recruitment team as they recruit over 100 new employees. As a result, he was presented the RBSL Business Apprentice of Year 2020 award.
Mohammed Shuayb picked up the winning award in the Engineering Apprentice Final Year category. Mohammed is also a key member of RBSL’s industrialisation team, taking the lead on a number of projects including manufacturing and coordinating time-lapse cameras to capture the huge transformations of the facility as they happen. He has also supported the induction of new apprentices over a number of years and has offered personal mentorship following his own experiences. As a result, he has won a number of early careers awards including being named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by RBSL’s training provider in 2019. Mohammed was also voted ‘Players’ Player’ by RBSL’s own apprentice community, demonstrating how highly respected he is by peers.
A further RBSL apprentice, Sam Dawson, picked up the runner-up award in the Engineering Apprentice Final Year category. As a reservist officer for the British Army, Sam combines his experiences as a Second Lieutenant with that of an engineering apprentice; developing his leadership skills and his understanding of how British Army soldiers use the vehicles RBSL produce.
Natalie Houston, Early Careers Manager for RBSL, said:
“What a turnout for RBSL at the Make UK regional apprentice awards. RBSL is incredibly proud of the calibre of apprentices we work with and train, so to see members of the team recognised at such a prestigious event is fantastic.
"Apprentices like Jack, Mohammed and Sam really are the future of our company, and as we start to deliver major programmes for the UK MOD, I’m thrilled RBSL gets to provide our apprentice colleagues with these opportunities.”
Charlotte Horobin, Region Director for Make UK in the Midlands, said:
“These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in the Midlands and as we re-build our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”
