Cleveland Bridge apprentice Steven Liddle has been named Metal Industry Craft Skills Apprentice of the Year.
To win the nationwide apprenticeship competition, which is run by The Worshipful Company of the Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers, 21-year-old Steven, who is from Darlington, took part in at event in Sheffield, held at EEF’s offices, courtesy of UK Steel.
Steven was interviewed by a panel of industry experts, before making a presentation about his work and experiences at Cleveland Bridge.
Steven, who is due to complete his fabrication apprenticeship in July 2019, highlighted his role in a major multi-bridge project the company is delivering in Sri Lanka and how his training has positively impacted on his personal development.
This is the latest award to be secured by members of Cleveland Bridge group of more than 20 apprentices in recent months along with a strong number of commendations for the trainees’ skills and aptitude.
Other apprentice successes recently include Liam Simpson who was shortlisted in the finals of the 2018 CN Specialist Awards and was highly-commended in the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards along with Josh Cuppitt. Plus additional success came from Ben Stockdale, and Daniel Burns who both reached the finals of the Manufacturer MX Awards at the end of 2017.
Steven said: “The support I’ve received from Cleveland Bridge throughout my training gave me the confidence to enter the competition, but I never expect to win against apprentices from across the country. I’m really proud and it has spurred me on for the final year of my apprenticeship and my future career in engineering.”
Chris Droogan, Managing Director of Cleveland Bridge UK, said: “Steven is very talented and motivated and another great example of the excellent apprentices we have at Cleveland Bridge. Investing in apprenticeships and attracting high quality young people is an essential part of our workforce development strategy. In winning this award, Steven has demonstrated the level of skills and commitment we see from him every day at Cleveland Bridge.”