Apprentice stars crowned at In-Comm Awards

More than 250 people packed into the Bescot Stadium in Walsall to recognise 16 rising stars of engineering and manufacturing that are helping local companies grow at home and abroad. Taking the main plaudits at the Bescot Stadium in Walsall were Tyler Groves, who was named as 'The Peter Wood Outstanding Learner of the Year' after impressing bosses at Birmingham-based Truflo Marine. He was joined on stage by Wednesbury-based Bradken UK's John Clark, who received the 'Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year' for his desire to take on new processes and procedures to develop both himself and other workers. In-Comm Training and Business Services' Rebecca Phillips said the awards were designed to promote the achievements of individuals striving to be the best they could be. She continued: "Some of the awards are also for the employers, who, without them, none of this would be possible. They have to show a certain level of time and financial commitment to give their staff these opportunities." The 'Employer of the Year' award went to B Mason and Sons while a special award from Darlaston Rotary Club in memory of Doug Bridgwood, a local engineer who died last year went to Bradken UK's Daniel Thompson to recognise his passion for the industry and his ability to influence and motivate other apprentices.