Lucas Benson, an Aeronautical Engineering apprentice from Lancaster, Lancashire has been named UK Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious BAE Systems UK Apprenticeship Awards for 2019.
Lucas impressed the judges with his strong tool design and production skills, excelling academically and playing an integral role in the Company’s Apprentice Innovation Challenge. Lucas was also part of a team that raised £4,000 for Fisher House Foundation.
Receiving his award, Lucas said: “Winning this award is a real honour and I’m so proud to be showcasing how fantastic an apprenticeship can be. My apprenticeship has given me priceless workplace experience – learning from the best engineers in their field – while earning a competitive wage. I’ve grown both personally and professionally and look forward to continuing my education and helping to shape the engineering sector for future generations.”
Held during National Apprenticeship Week (4 to 8 March), the annual awards celebrate the outstanding talent and potential of the Company’s apprentices and this year’s awards were presented at a ceremony at The Queens Hotel in Leeds hosted by Steve Fogg, Managing Director, Shared Services, BAE Systems.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Steve said: “We are fortunate to employ some of the best talent in the industry, and our business is no doubt enriched by their continuing hard work and enthusiasm. The Apprentice Awards lets us celebrate the great work and endless curiosity provided by so many outstanding employees. This year, I am so proud to have extended celebration with a new Excellence in Trade Award. This has recognised three employees who started their working life as apprentices and who have delivered a consistently high level of professionalism in their chosen trade, throughout a long career with us. Huge congratulations to all of the winners, as well as those shortlisted.”
