The joint entry detailing the progress and impact of its work with the University Technical College based at Lillyhall, emerged victorious in the ‘Best Industry Engagement’ category at the 2024 Golden Apple Awards, which celebrate excellence in education and learning across Cumbria.
Having negotiated a rigorous judging process, members of our Nuclear Social Value Team and the UTC picked up the award at a glittering ceremony held at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, last week (October 10).
The partnership is a glowing example of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s total commitment to enhancing local communities – helping students to grow and thrive while contributing to long-term local skills needs and the wider delivery of the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
Our support for the UTC has included significant funding for new civil and electrical engineering facilities; opportunities for 30 apprentices each year; work experience programmes and employer engagement projects and support for the development of the T-Level Curriculum to help meet the requirements of the nuclear industry. Meanwhile, there is regular two-way mentoring and knowledge sharing to ensure students are ready for the workplace and receive the personal and professional support they need to flourish.
Kath Walker, Project Management Degree Apprentice Lyla Chandler, Kerryann Wilson from Energy Coast UTC, Electro mechanical engineer apprentice Aaron Frew and Gemma Harrison celebrate the award win.
Gemma Harrison, Community Engagement Advisor - Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, says: “Winning this award is fantastic recognition for everyone involved – the UTC, us, but most importantly of all the young people that have benefitted because of this strong partnership between education and industry.
“It’s really important to work with local education providers. It helps young people grow and develop their skills so they can flourish as professionals and bring new ideas and fresh energy to the industry. And it helps them to grow as people, raising aspirations and opening their eyes to the varied and exciting career opportunities available to them.”
Kerryann Wilson, the Energy Coast UTC’s Head of School, adds: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have won this Golden Apple award. It's a testament to the work that we've done over the years and the evolution of our partnership to the present day.”
The partnership will be up for another major award next month. It is among the finalists in the coveted Partnership category of the BECBC Awards 2024. The award recognises successful collaboration between Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) members in Cumbria. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony at Energus, Lillyhall, on November 21.