A talented young apprentice from BAE Systems has won a prestigious regional apprentice award at this year’s EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.
Heather Johnson, who works for BAE Systems as a Business Procurement Apprentice came up trumps by taking gold in the Business Apprentice Award.
The award recognises the outstanding contribution being made by manufacturing apprentices across the region. The award is highly-respected and hotly contested with winners selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics.
Heather beat off competition from across the region and won the title after impressing judges with her commitment, ambition and drive to pursue a career in manufacturing. Heather’s passion, hard work and attention to detail, along with her ambitions for a managerial role within the sector were the deciding factors for the judging panel.
Judges said they had been overwhelmed by the high calibre of apprentices nominated this year, making Heather’s win even more of an achievement.
Heather is now in the running for the national title where she will go head-to-head with regional winners from across the UK at the national awards gala in London in January next year.
Heather Johnson, Business Procurement Apprentice at BAE Systems, said: “I am delighted to have won this award and to have been crowned regional winner. It’s an amazing feeling to be recognised for doing something I genuinely enjoy and is setting me up for my future. I’m only at the very start of my career, so to receive gold at these awards and be singled out in this way is a real boost and will motivate me even more.
“My apprenticeship is challenging and rewarding and I hope my success encourages others to think hard about taking up an apprenticeship in manufacturing too. Now I can’t wait to get to the national finals to meet the other regional winners and see how I compare.”
Richard Halstead, Membership Director for the North at EEF, said: “Heather undoubtedly deserves this award. She won the judges over with her hard work, enthusiasm and dedication. It’s right that she should be congratulated for doing so well, especially when up against other candidates of such high quality.”
“Manufacturing is essential to British economic success and apprentices have a vital role to play in securing the future of our sector. It’s great to see Heather’s efforts being recognised and I wish her the best of luck at the national finals, she’s a fantastic role model.”
