What's Happening?
ERIKS held its annual apprentice awards at the Fulfilment Centre of Expertise in Oldbury, West Midlands, celebrating the achievements of its apprentices. The awards acknowledged various aspects such as college
performance and feedback from managers and peers. Taylor-Mae Arkinstall from the Leeds service center was named the 2025 Apprentice of the Year for her exceptional dedication and contribution during her first year. Other awards included the 1st Year Apprentice award won by Sam Miah from the Flow Control Technology Centre in Leicestershire, and the 2nd Year Apprentice award won by Jeremy Aitken from the Norwich service center. Megan Henry from the Southampton service center received the Most Improved Apprentice award. The event also featured fun categories voted by apprentices, such as Duo of the Year and Social Media King or Queen.
Why It's Important?
The ERIKS apprentice awards highlight the importance of nurturing young talent in the engineering sector, providing recognition and motivation for apprentices. This initiative supports the development of skilled professionals, crucial for the industry's growth and innovation. By acknowledging the achievements of apprentices, ERIKS fosters a culture of excellence and encourages more young individuals to pursue careers in engineering. The awards also emphasize the value of apprenticeships in bridging the gap between education and employment, offering practical experience and career advancement opportunities.
What's Next?
ERIKS plans to continue expanding its apprentice program, welcoming its third year of students and introducing new opportunities, such as recruiting a sales apprentice at the Dublin service center. The program aims to attract younger apprentices, including school leavers, to provide them with early career development. ERIKS will monitor the progress of these apprentices, offering support and guidance as they transition from education to the workplace. The company is committed to enhancing its apprenticeship scheme to meet the evolving needs of the industry and its workforce.
Beyond the Headlines
The ERIKS apprentice awards reflect broader trends in workforce development, emphasizing the need for companies to invest in training and education to address skills shortages. By supporting apprenticeships, businesses can cultivate a pipeline of skilled workers, ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness. This approach also aligns with societal goals of reducing youth unemployment and promoting economic growth through skill development.
