His colleague Neil Dodd was then presented with the Runners-Up award in the first year apprentice, SME category. Just four days after the Apprentice of the Year competition, 17 year old Neil then went on to collect a Learner Achievement Award for ‘Best Overall Learner’ as part of the Cambridge Regional College’s 2007-08 Academy of Engineering.

Hilary Bacon, Shearline’s HR Manager, comments, “We are extremely proud of Joe and Neil, they have both put a lot of time, effort and enthusiasm into their apprentice scheme and we’re delighted with their achievements.

“To go up against some of the country’s biggest and best engineering and manufacturing organisations is testament to their knowledge and understanding of the engineering industry as well as their dedication and determination to succeed.”

Employing over 100 staff, Cambridgeshire-based Shearline has been running an extensive internal training programme for 14 years, which has been designed to help bridge the gap of skills shortages within the UK’s engineering and manufacturing industries. Twenty two per cent of the engineers employed at Shearline have come through the company’s apprenticeship scheme; some from the original intake 13 years ago.

“Ensuring that our young employees have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience is of paramount importance to us”, adds Hilary. “So to see more of our apprentices receive an award is further testament to the benefits that can come from choosing the modern apprenticeship route into employment.”

In 2007, three of Shearline’s third year apprentices set the precedent for the company’s apprentice scheme by collecting a handful of highly prestigious industry awards – including two Apprentice of the Year wins.