Three students from Northampton College have been shortlisted for a national apprenticeship award in recognition of their outstanding work with a major railway services company.
Elizabeth Lothian, Darren Stawarz and Ben Long have all made it through to the finals of the Future Manufacturing awards.
All three combine their studies with working at Knorr-Bremse in Wolverton, giving them the opportunity to earn while they learn.
Elizabeth, who is studying an HNC Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship, said: This award is a great opportunity to put myself forward and show how much I have embraced my Apprenticeship both academically and professionally.
I think this award will open new doors for me and allow me to progress even further in my chosen career. I have achieved exceptionally high grades on this course and it's great to be recognised for doing so well.
I hope to get an MSC in Engineering allowing me to choose where I want to work in the future and in what role.
Production engineer Darren added: Being slightly older than the average apprentice, I think it's good to get the opportunity to increase my qualifications and receive an award that recognises all of the hard work I put into my job every day.
The College provided me with all the information I needed and I felt that there has been a good balance between my work and academic learning. Drawing upon the knowledge of others in the industry I feel that I have gained some really valuable experience which I hope to apply to my studies going on to both a degree and masters in Engineering.
I love to travel, so hopefully I will be able to use these qualifications to travel around the world and work in lots of different countries doing something I really enjoy.
Ben, a semi-skilled fitter, said: I am really delighted that I was recommended for this award as it's something I would never have put myself forward for. Having some positive recognition for how hard I have been working is a really good feeling.
This Apprenticeship has given me the drive and focus to want to learn more and I now have a deeper level of understanding and knowledge that I can apply to all areas of my life. I hope to go on to become either a senior manager of a company like Knorr-Bremse or a chartered engineering firm so I can choose where I want to work anywhere the world.
All three students were taught by engineering tutor Neil Tobin, who said: Having three students from the same company going for this award shows a great result for the Apprenticeship scheme. It also shows how great success can be achieved through peer support and encouragement.
These students have challenged each other and I have high hopes for each and every one of them. I think they will go on to do great things for the industry.
The overall winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 14 November at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
For more information about the Apprenticeships available at Northampton College visit our Apprenticeship page.
