Firm's apprentices show cutting edge talent

Two apprentice engineers from Island-based Swagelok have been recognised at an awards event for the region's aerospace and defence industries. 

Ashley Howard won the Outstanding Professional accolade while Daniel Catlow was Highly Commended in the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) New Talent Awards. 

Ashley won judges' admiration for his performance in the Business University Challenge, which pits teams of three young engineers from British Isles' companies against each another, in challenges with no prior preparation.

Daniel was saluted in a category for final year apprentices to demonstrate the development of their engineering skills.

Swagelok is currently training 18 apprentices, some of whom are also attending courses at Isle of Man College.

The company's general manager David Hester said he was delighted the pair volunteered to represent the Island at the NWAA event and compete against peers from other firms. 

He added: ' We are very proud of their acheivements and we will continue to invest in the education and training of our associates and give emplpoyment opportunties to students graduating from all the engineering related College courses.'

The event held earlier this month at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester, was attended by industry executives and Wing Commander Martin Higgins from  the RAF display team Red Arrows.