Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards shine spotlight on the rising stars

Mr Wilson said: “These awards are a celebration of the many outstanding young people who have opted for what will no doubt be incredibly successful careers in manufacturing and we couldn’t do it without the support and engagement from our sponsors. Our industry needs more creative, dedicated young employees like our award winners and nominees to form the next generation of manufacturers and ensure the future of our sector.”

Trophies were presented to the winners of the apprentice of the year, rising star and future manufacturing leader of the year categories at the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards. There was also a new prize presented to the manufacturing employer of the year at the ceremony, which was held at Leeds glass reinforced plastic moulds manufacturer MPM.

Harry Clark won the apprentice of the year award, sponsored by Leeds City College. Nominated by his employer, MPM, where he works in the quality and finishing department, he was singled out as being a particularly strong performer within the business. According to judges, Mr Clark stands out as “a team player with a strong career ahead of him”. Sponsored by Leeds City Council, the 2023 rising star award went to Maddy Pennock, who is currently in the fourth and final year of a design engineering apprenticeship at Stanningley-based engineering firm, LBBC Technologies.

Described by managers as “innovative and enthusiastic”, Ms Pennock stood out for her willingness to take on “impressive levels” of responsibility. Kirkstall Precision Engineering apprentice manufacturing engineer Kalum Downey scooped the future manufacturing leader trophy, sponsored by engineering and manufacturing recruiter E3 Recruitment. He was praised for consistently delivering high-quality work and supporting his team members.

Historic Leeds textiles business AW Hainsworth was named employer of the year, an award sponsored by Next Gen Makers, which runs a benchmarking and accreditation scheme for manufacturing and engineering apprenticeships. The firm was selected for its “remarkable commitment to its employees and continual investment in developing its people strategies,” according to the judges.

Mr Wilson added: “Progressive businesses like AW Hainsworth also act as a brilliant example of how employers can attract and nurture new talent, and they continue to foster and inspire creativity and innovation in a company that is over two centuries old.

"Yet again, an impressive feature of this year’s festival has been the way younger employees have acted as ambassadors for our sector and as role models for other young people considering a career in manufacturing.

"The judges were incredibly impressed with the individual award winners, those who made the shortlist and with all those nominated. These young people are not just a credit to themselves, but also to their families and their employer, who have enabled them to flourish.”