Mohammed Ismaeel beat off stiff competition to bring home the prestigious trophy, which is awarded annually to a top achieving apprentice working for a business that is supported through Lloyds Bank’s levy transfer scheme.
David Atkinson, regional director at Lloyds Bank, said, “At Lloyds Bank, we know how important manufacturing is in driving the UK economy and we’re passionate about empowering engineers of the future to kick-start rewarding careers that fulfill the needs of UK SMEs. This award is a great way to recognise and celebrate those who have taken the opportunity to earn while they learn. Mohammed is a standout example of what you can achieve through an apprenticeship, and we hope his story inspires others looking to start a career in engineering.”
Following an unsuccessful experience with a different training provider, Mohammed worked tirelessly to achieve the results he needed to pursue an apprenticeship at MTC Training, the skills arm of the Manufacturing Technology Centre based in Coventry, which aims to close the skills gap and provide the next generation of engineering talent. He was thrilled to be recognised for his achievement and impact since starting his apprenticeship at MTC Training two years ago.:
He said, “I am delighted to have received the award for Lloyds Bank SME Apprentice of the Year Award. My mum and I had an amazing day that will live long in the memory.”
Having built a wealth of foundational skills including milling, turning and metrology during the first year of his apprenticeship at MTC Training, Mohammed is now gaining valuable industry experience at his workplace, Impression Technologies Ltd.
He added “Throughout my apprenticeship I have worked on my people skills, professional skills and sharpened my technical skills. I feel that starting my career in the development side of engineering has really given me an opportunity to develop and learn multiple processes on different types of machinery and equipment. I am hugely grateful for all the support I have received from Impression Technologies Ltd. and MTC Training.”
Jonathan Watkins, CEO at Impression Technologies, has seen Mohammed’s growth throughout his apprenticeship first-hand.
He said, “Mohammed joined Impression Technologies at the age of 17 in 2019. I have had the privilege of watching him develop into a highly capable and resourceful technician who is admired across our organisation. It was not an easy pathway for him as he had to overcome an imposed change of training provider, and effectively started his apprenticeship again. Despite this, through his positive attitude and commitment, he flourished both at ITL, aided by guidance and training from the professionals at MTC Training. I extend my personal congratulations to both Mohammed and his support network and expect him to progress rapidly through to higher levels of responsibility.”
Mohammed’s manager, Craig Edwards, Materials Evaluation Centre Manager said that Impression Technologies Ltd’s ongoing partnership with MTC Training is an important part of developing new talent at the Coventry-based business:
“We greatly value our partnership with the MTC in developing young talent through the apprenticeship scheme, and Mohammed’s accolade is a fine example of just what can be achieved with the correct nurture, environment and attitude.”
He added “We were all delighted to hear that Mohammed had won the Lloyds Bank SME Apprentice of the Year Award. He is a very popular member of our organisation and we believe that his infectious enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge will be the foundations for a fantastic career with Impression Technologies Ltd.”
Matthew Bastock, apprenticeship programme manager, applauded Mohammed for making the most of this opportunity, which positions him favourably as he enters the world of engineering:
“The sky's the limit for Mohammed now. He is a real apprentice ambassador for ITL and MTC Training, and his professionalism on his apprenticeship journey is to be admired. We are really looking forward to supporting and observing his career progress,” he said.
At MTC Training, apprentices have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment, enrichment activities and industry-experienced trainers, which see them develop the knowledge and expertise required to build a career in an exciting, thriving and innovative environment.
Pictured: Mohammed Ismaeel with Lloyds Bank's David Atkinson
