Young Person/Apprentice of Year finalists

Jessica Freeman, MBDA

A young engineer who went from work shadowing to become the only engineer working full-time on particular projects is a finalist for the Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award 2019.

Jessica Freeman is a fourth year manufacturing engineering apprentice at MBDA UK in Bolton. Even though she had nine months left of her apprenticeship, Jessica took the plunge to become the only circuit card assembly manufacturing engineer on two projects. .

Alongside her job, she volunteered for external opportunities like going into schools and colleges for careers’ events, STEM activities and recruitment. She often travels to talks about engineering to learn about new developments around the world.

Commented Jessica: “It means so much to me to get shortlisted for this award, showing that hard work and dedication really do pay off,.

“I’m happy to be able to represent women in engineering, proving that it is not just a man’s world.”

Helen Wood, MDBA

AN apprentice who is passionate about others benefitting from apprenticeship schemes is a finalist for the Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award 2019.

Helen Wood is coming to the end of a four-year programme with MBDA UK in Bolton where she is a Higher Business Apprentice. She has become a positive ambassador for apprenticeships. Last year, she was part of a small team running an event for more than 70 students from eight different local schools promoting schemes within the manufacturing industry.

She has spoken at a number of careers’ events, hosted mock interview days and organised team-building events for students “so that they can all feel more prepared for the next step in their lives,” she explained.

“To me, being a finalist means setting an example. It’s about showcasing the best qualities you have in a hope to encourage the next wave of young people to do the same.”

Caitlin Hesketh, A K Hair Lounge

CAITLIN Hesketh was “obsessed” with hairdressing from being a child but when she achieved high A-level grades she went to university to study law instead.

However, one year in, she realised hairdressing was her future. Instead of full-time classroom learning, she took up an apprenticeship with a Hindley salon. Now, Caitlin is a finalist for the Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award 2019.

Caitlin approached Bolton College with her hairdressing portfolio and also had her Facebook and Instagram pages to evidence her skills and styles.

The College, astounded by Caitlin’s talent, took her on its apprenticeship scheme and an equally impressed A K Hair Lounge took her on its staff. Here, she has modernised its social media platforms.

Commented Sarah Bleackley, Hairdressing Curriculum Leader at Bolton College: “Caitlin has been a model apprentice. We’re so proud that her hard work, commitment and dedication has been recognised by reaching the finals.”

Isabelle Beatty, AFG Law

A SECRETARY who joined a Bolton law firm and quickly became a key member of its private client team is a finalist for the Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award.

Isabelle Beatty works for AFG LAW in Mawdsley Street and regularly goes over and above what is expected of her. She is extremely organised, learns quickly and is able to adapt to situations swiftly and professionally. Colleagues say she is a pleasure to work with and can be trusted to deal with clients and handle sensitive matters discreetly.

Isabelle joined as a Legal Administration Apprentice at 16 in her first job and has already stamped her mark on the firm, working hard for her qualifications.

Commented Isabelle: “When it was suggested that I enter I just went along with it but had no expectations that I would get this far. I’m really proud that my hard work has been recognised.”

Ryan Naylor, MBDA

AN apprentice who runs a work experience programme has had his work recognised by being a finalist in the Young Person/Apprentice Award 2019.

Ryan Naylor is an engineering apprentice with MBDA UK in Bolton. His manager Garry Booth described him as “an extremely enthusiastic and passionate young man who exhibits all the attributes required to become an accredited engineer.”

Ryan displays impressive attention to detail, problem-solving and a natural curiosity for his field. He is continuously involved with career events, constructing individual placement plans for those on work experience.

He has excelled at college, achieving distinctions in all units of both his BTEC ONC and HNC.

Stated Ryan: “It’s a real privilege to be a finalist for the Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award and I’m proud to represent MBDA. It’s great that there’s an award which recognises young people in business and industry as they can often be overlooked.”