Anton's engineering a bright future career
A TECHNICIAN at one of Peterborough's biggest firms has been hailed as one of the top apprentices in the country.
A TECHNICIAN at one of Peterborough's biggest firms has been hailed as one of the top apprentices in the country.Anton Barrick scooped one of the major awards at the inaugural Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) Future Manufacturing Awards last week.
The 21-year-old, who works as a maintenance technician for Perkins Engines, in Eastern Industry, was named winner of the Final Year Apprentice category.
He was recognised for his unparalleled enthusiasm for engineering and his commitment to continuous improvement, and beat off competition from four other regional winners to take the prize.
A delighted Anton said: "I've wanted to be an engineer since I was a child.
"I now plan to progress through the part-time academic route through college to university, and to achieve a degree that's recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Then I'll work to become a fully chartered engineer."
Anton made it through to the glitzy national final of the awards, which was held at the glamorous Dorchester Hotel, in Mayfair, London, after he won the same award for the south-east area back in December.
The award also recognises Anton's speedy completion of his BTEC National and NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance, a course which can take up to a year to do, but which took him 10 months.
He is now studying his Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering at Peterborough Regional College.
Perkins' apprentice co-ordinator Phil Oldfield said: "I am really pleased for Anton to have been awarded this accolade. It truly reflects his skill and determination to succeed as an engineer.
"He is a credit to himself, the company, his team leaders and all of the tutors and staff at Peterborough Regional College that have contributed to his apprenticeship and career learning to date."
Mr Oldfield's sentiments were echoed by the college's apprenticeship manager Sue Forsythe. She said: "The college is overjoyed with Anton's achievement in both the regional and national awards.
"While at college, Anton completed his Advanced Apprenticeship a year early, and this was due to his commitment and determination.
"He has got an amazing thirst for knowledge and we know he will go far in his chosen career."
Meanwhile, chairman of the EEF judging panel Professor Stephen Evans said: "We were won over by Anton's enthusiasm, ingenuity, problem-solving ability and his thirst for improving efficiency.
"And, quite simply, by the pleasure he takes in his work."
South East Region director for EEF David Seall added: "Anton is a credit to his company and a great role model for young people embarking on a career in industry."
The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards are open to all UK manufacturers and their apprentices.
They are designed to celebrate those businesses that have shown excellence in engineering innovation and design.
For more information on the awards, visit www.eef.org.uk
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