25 Mar 2014
On the 20th March 2014 the nuclear stars of the present and future were announced during the sixth annual UK Nuclear Skills Awards Evening in Manchester organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent.
The event, hosted by Roger Black MBE was attended by over 450 nuclear employees, employers, training providers and key stakeholders who came together to celebrate the success and high achievement of learners nominated for awards in Apprentice, Foundation Degree/HND and Graduate disciplines.
The top award of the evening was the heavily contested UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year which was won by Natalie Baines from Nuvia, who also won the Northwest Nuclear Apprentice of the Year category.
Natalie Baines, Nuvia Ltd and UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year said;
“I am very proud to be awarded UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year it is a massive achievement for which I am so grateful. All of the nominees were winners - they all demonstrated commitment to the industry and it was wonderful to see that all our hard work and dedication has been recognised. Winning this award is a great start to my career, I hope that this achievement will further inspire others to pursue a career within the Nuclear Industry and Engineering. I am passionate about the scheme within Nuvia and I will continue to help and mentor others so they can gain as much from the scheme as I have done myself.”
Nuvia’s Chief Executive Officer, Keith Collett said:
“We are exceptionally proud of Natalie; she is a hugely driven individual who consistently demonstrates her passion for engineering and for motivating others. She has far exceeded what was asked of her by the Company, continually going above and beyond.
We hope that her achievement will inspire other talented young people with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to look to the nuclear industry to provide a fulfilling and sustainable career. Well done Natalie, a truly inspirational Nuvia individual”
Natalie completed her Apprenticeship in Mechanical Design with Training 2000 and currently works as Mechanical Designer. Natalie is a keen Apprentice Ambassador and has completed campaigns for both her employer and training provider. In the near future Natalie aims to complete her EngTech.
The UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year is decided from the Regional Nuclear Apprentice of the Year winners and the winner of the Supply Chain Apprentice Award. The other Regional Apprentices of the Year were…
Taking the title of Northeast Regional Apprentice of the Year was David Reay from EDF Energy, Hartlepool Power Station. David completed an Apprenticeship in Engineering Maintenance and currently works as an Instrumentation Maintenance Technician at Hartlepool Power Station.
The Southeast/East Regional Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Jason Boyland from EDF Energy Sizewell B Power Station. Jason completed an Apprenticeship in Engineering Technology Electrical Maintenance with Babcock International, and currently works as a Heavy Maintenance Technician.
Southwest Nuclear Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Adam Lewis from Doosan Babcock Ltd. Adam completed his Apprenticeship in Pipefitting and currently works as a Fitter at Oldbury.
Taking the title of Scottish Nuclear Apprentice of the Year was Erin Thomson from DSRL. Erin completed an Instrument Craft Apprenticeship, and currently works as part of the Instrument Decommissioning Maintenance Team.
The Welsh Nuclear Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Dafydd Foxhall from Magnox Ltd, Trawsfynydd Power Station. Dafydd completed an Apprenticeship in Control and Instrumentation with Grwp Llandrillo Menai, and currently works as a Control and Instrumentation Technician.
Taking the title of Supply Chain Apprentice of the Year was Alexander Livesey from NIS Ltd. Alexander has completed his Apprenticeship in Advanced Fitting spending the first 6 months of which with Springfields Fuels Ltd. Currently Alexander works as a Trainee Fitter.
The FD/HND Student of the Year was awarded to Darren Sprouting from EDF Energy Hinkley Point B. Darren completed his Foundation Degree in Nuclear Engineering with Bridgwater College and currently works as an Assistant Team Leader. One of the biggest challenges faced by Darren has been to deal with his rapid development in a work environment, studying for a Foundation Degree and having a young family.
Taking the title of UK Nuclear Graduate of the Year was Helen Howlett from Atkins. Helen works as an Assistant Safety Case Engineer and completed a BSc in Physics and Astrophysics and an MSc in Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors. Helen’s interest in working for the nuclear sector began during her completion of a Year In Industry placement.
The winner of the Outstanding Leadership in Skills Award was Taylor-Jayne Fox from Graham Engineering Ltd. Taylor-Jayne has worked as the Business Development Manager for Graham Engineering Ltd (GEL) for the past two years. It is here that Taylor-Jayne has been able to build upon the already firm apprenticeship base and move the company’s skills programme forward to exceed expectations. Taylor-Jayne is fervent about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow and develop, using CPD to benefit themselves, the company and the nuclear industry.
Jean Llewellyn OBE, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear said:
“The UK Nuclear Skills Awards highlights the exceptional quality of people of all levels, who are committed to careers in the nuclear sector. Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees/HNDs and Degrees are key avenues for replenishing and building skills for the nuclear sector. It is extremely important to highlight the real and tangible contributions which these people make to their organisations on a daily basis.
I would like to personally congratulate all of the winners and finalists, they are all examples of excellence in skills development and I wish them all the very best for the future”
Joanna Woolf, Chief Executive of Cogent Sector Skills Council said:
“These Awards are a now a fiercely competitive process, and the volume and quality of applications demonstrates the commitment the nuclear industry has in investing in future talent. The award winners here tonight represent that talent - they are taking away a prestigious accolade, as well as recognition from their peers that they are achieving excellence in skills. We’re delighted to celebrate their success - every winner is a shining example of how skills development can advance career success.”
-ENDS -
Attached with this release is a group photograph of the finalists and winners, and an image of Natalie Baines - UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year. A full library of images from the night can be found at www.nsan.marickcommunications.co.uk
For high resolution copies of any of the images contained via the link, please contact Mary Kinsella - [email protected] if you would like a high resolution copy for promotional use.
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