The Apprentice of the Year Awards were presented jointly by the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG) and Building Plymouth with nominations submitted by local manufacturing and construction employers and training providers, with the awards recognising sixty talented finalist and winning apprentices who were celebrated at the ceremony held at Market Hall, Devonport.
The PMG Apprentice of the Year Awards 2025 were once again sponsored by Make UK, of which Jim Davison, Make UK’s National Membership Director was on the judging panel and presented the awards to the winners and finalists. Jim commented, “This year, our task as judges was particularly difficult such was the outstanding level of nominations received. The dedication that these apprentices have towards their apprenticeships, their companies and their colleagues, is hugely reassuring for the continued growth and development of the UK’s dynamic manufacturing industry. While we especially congratulate the winners, we must applaud all the finalists for their hard work and passion for our sector which is why, I am delighted to support the PMG Apprentice of the Year Awards and celebrate our industry’s future talent in this way.”
Introducing the awards ceremony, Cllr Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships at Plymouth City Council said: “It was fitting to hold this celebration in National Apprenticeship Week 2025 with the theme ‘Skills for Life,’ a good chance to reflect on how the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ can help both young people to start their career journey and adults to change career direction. These apprentice awards truly represent the very best of achievement in two of Plymouth’s high growth sectors: construction and the built environment, and manufacturing and engineering. This important week and our Awards today, presents us with a great platform to shine a light on the amazing opportunities that an apprenticeship brings to employers, individuals and the economy. I thank all our local employers and training providers who continue to invest and support our apprentices. I am delighted to share a personal congratulations to everyone celebrated.”
Lee Crocker, Managing Director and Chair of the Board at Kawasaki Precision Machinery and Chair of Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group said of the winners and finalists: “We employ apprentices at Kawasaki so I believe I can speak on behalf of my fellow members when I say that we all feel tremendous pride when we see our apprentices grow, not just in their abilities but also in their confidence. These awards are a way to show them that we recognise their endeavours in our companies and that we are, in turn, also committed to them.
Katie Sohl and Jennifer Jury, both from Babcock and training with City College Plymouth, jointly won the Business Rising Star Award.
Katie Sohl said of her win: “Winning Business Rising Star Apprentice of the Year 2025 is an achievement I am incredibly proud of, especially considering the tough competition. I was genuinely happy just to be nominated, but to win is beyond expectations. The support from Babcock as an employer has been invaluable, pushing me to develop my skills and widen my knowledge every day. This award is a huge milestone in my journey reminding me of how far I have come, and motivates me even more for the future.”
Commenting about win, Jen Jury said: “This is an incredible honour and achievement. This recognition is highly significant and represents a key achievement in my career so far. I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities and support provided by the Commercial Team at Babcock and am excited to progress within my role.”
The Award Winner for the Rising Star Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year was Kieren O’Donnell from Alstom who is an Industrial Engineering Apprentice training with Aston University. Kieren commented that he felt “almost speechless and truly honoured to win the award”. Kieren’s supervisor, Dave Gale, Lead Engineer at Alstom said “I am thrilled for Kieren to have won this award. It is a well-deserved accolade, and a reflection of the sheer amount of hard work and dedication he has put in over the last year at Alstom and at Aston University. It is great to see so many talented apprentices in the Plymouth area, and I think this is a good reflection of the high standards set by manufacturing companies in our locality. Thank you to PMG for bringing this event together to celebrate the fabulous talent we have in Plymouth.”
The PMG’s Final Year Business Apprentice of the Year for 2025 is Ryan Waterschoot from Rittal CSM and training with City College.
Ryan said “Being nominated for a PMG Apprentice of the Year Award was an incredible honour in itself, but to be chosen as this year’s winner is truly rewarding. It feels amazing to be recognized for my hard work and dedication across the whole of Plymouth.”
Daniel Piaskowski, who is an Apprentice Engineer at Cornwall Bakery – Samworth Brothers and training with Cornwall College is the Final Year Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year for 2025. Daniel said on receiving his award that he was both “surprised and excited to win”. Dan was nominated by his Learning & Development Advisor, Heather, who said: “A big thank you to all who have and continue to support Dan and our other Apprentices. Their guidance has played a key role in his success. Please take a moment to congratulate Dan, well done! As a Level 3 Engineering Apprentice studying at Cornwall College, Dan has consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating strong technical ability and problem-solving skills. His commitment to learning and development makes him a valuable member of the team.” Jamie, Engineering Manager, commented: “Dan approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. His technical ability and willingness to learn have made a real impact on the team, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work.”
At the awards ceremony, these Finalist, Highly Commended and Winning apprentices were all celebrated for their success and commended for the high standards they have shown in their achievements and skills developed during their apprenticeships. Congratulations to everyone for your hard work and dedication!
PMG Rising Star Business Apprentice of the Year Joint Winners:
Jennifer Jury from Babcock, and undertaking Higher Level Business Apprenticeship with City College Plymouth,
Katie Sohl from Babcock, and undertaking Higher Level Business Apprenticeship with City College Plymouth
PMG Rising Star Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Winner
Kieren O’Donnell from Alstom who is an Industrial Engineering Apprentice training with Alstom and Aston University.
