Marcelina Hrynkiewicz of Magna Cosma Casting has been named Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for the West Midlands, triumphing over more than 120 peers at the prestigious In-Comm Training Awards in Birmingham. The event, attended by over 400 people, celebrated the achievements of apprentices and companies investing in vocational training.
Judges lauded Hrynkiewicz, a Telford technician, for her dedication, commitment to personal and technical growth, and natural leadership demonstrated in her project quality. The awards, sponsored for the seventh time by the Engineering Technology Group (ETG), also recognized Alexandru Paunescu of Epson UK as Most Improved Learner of the Year. Paunescu’s passion for overcoming barriers to gain necessary qualifications in the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector was particularly noted.
The ceremony also highlighted companies supporting the next generation of talent. Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land and Accura Engineering won the Large Company and SME Awards, respectively. Accura Engineering was praised for its extensive apprenticeship program and ability to retain young talent.
Bekki Phillips, chief operating officer at In-Comm Training, emphasized the growing recognition of vocational learning: “Vocational learning is finally getting the credit it deserves. This year’s finalists showcase the difference apprenticeships make in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, motorsport, nuclear, and defense.”
The thirteenth annual In-Comm Training Awards provided over 90 finalists the opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside peers, mentors, and employers. Other notable winners included:
Caitlin Findlay (Penny Post Credit Union): Business Support
Marcelina Hrynkiewicz (Magna Cosma Castings): Professional Services
Harry Galt (Mueller Europe): Foundation Engineering & Manufacturing – Aldridge
Jessica Wooldridge (HL Smith): Foundation Engineering & Manufacturing – Telford
Ben Speed (Assa Abloy): Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing – Aldridge
Daniel Clinton (Beakbane): Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing – Telford
Ashley Kimberley (Assa Abloy): Apprentice Champion of the Year
Nathan Bould (Hoshizaki): Higher Engineering & Manufacturing – Telford
Gareth Jones, managing director of In-Comm Training, noted a record year for apprenticeship intakes, with increased interest from female engineers and diverse backgrounds. “We continue to invest in our technical academies and build stronger partnerships with employers. We urge the incoming government to enhance their commitment to vocational learning both short and long-term.”
The event was made possible by the headline sponsor, Engineering Technology Group (ETG), and other sponsors including Assa Abloy, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Collins Aerospace, Crowe LLP, EAL, FBC Manby Bowdler, Gestamp, In-Comm TMG, MAGNA, and the Peter Wood Memorial charity.