Newcastle College Engineering Apprentice Jessica Reading wins Highly Commended award in prestigious MAKE UK Awards

Currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Electrical and Electronic Technology at Newcastle College, this is just the latest in a string of awards that Jess has won in the last six months. This award recognises apprentices who have done the most to seize the training and development opportunities presented to them during the early years of their engineering apprenticeship programme, whilst making a significant contribution to support the activities of their employer.

Jess had already bagged the Make UK Rising Star Apprentice of the Year regional award (North West), before making the national finals on Thursday 28 January 2021.

Jess also won the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Bryan Hildrew Apprentice of the Year Award 2020, which is an award given to an apprentice who demonstrates outstanding commitment to their continuing development, whilst also making a positive difference to their employer and the wider community. Jess was also judged on her ability to show a career plan for the next three to five years in her award application.

Another award win for Jess, saw her scoop Apprentice of the Year 2020 in The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Awards for her work in the community.

As the only female engineering apprentice at Siemens Congleton, she took the lead in the Rollercoaster Challenge; a school engagement project for International Women’s Day, and over the summer Jess was also part of a group of young engineers at Siemens who became part of manufacturing history in the record-breaking ventilator challenge. From her home, Jess was part of a team tasked with designing and building a factory from scratch, scaling production from 10 ventilators to 1,500 per week.

Taking all of these remarkable achievements in her stride, Jess said: "I feel incredibly proud and honoured to have won these awards, not just for myself but I feel it also recognises the excellent training and development I have received on my Higher Apprenticeship through Newcastle College. All of the support I've received from my tutors has been brilliant and I have been so lucky to have been given so many fantastic opportunities from Siemens to progress and improve my skills."

What a fantastic few months Jess, we are so proud of everything you have achieved so far in your career.