Empowering the next generation: Enginuity Skills Awards 2025 Winners

On Thursday 4 July, sector leaders from across the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector came together for the annual Enginuity Skills Awards 2025. The evening celebrated the exceptional individuals and organisations who are empowering the next generation of talent, fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and collaboration while we embrace a new ‘golden era’ of great British engineering. 

The event, which is in its 11^th year, was hosted by industry role models Mohammad Taher and Mimi Nwosu at the Park Plaza London Riverbank. Phil Smith CBE, Chair of Skills England, was also in attendance for an insightful fireside chat with our hosts. 

We’re delighted to reveal our inspiring winners. 

Enginuity Skills Awards 2025 Winners 

Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by BAE Systems:  

Recognising an apprentice whose commitment to learning and developing skills is making a valued contribution to the workplace, making them an ideal role model to encourage others into engineering and manufacturing careers.  

Winner: Erin Lowe, Level 3 Electrical Apprentice at Yamazaki Mazak   

Inspired by her grandfather, Erin has pursued engineering since childhood, building models and circuits. Winning a national competition in Year 11 confirmed her path. At Mazak, her apprenticeship has grown her confidence, from leading tours to presenting to large groups. As one of two women on the shop floor, she’s become resilient and proactive, spearheading cost-saving digital solutions. Erin is committed to inspiring others, especially young girls, by sharing her journey and challenging gender barriers in engineering. 

Graduate, Degree or Higher Level Apprentice sponsored by Rolls-Royce:  

Recognising a graduate or apprentice whose commitment, innovative thinking, and skills are making a valued contribution to the workplace and wider industry.   

Winner: Hannah Livingstone, Materials Engineering Degree Apprentice at Rolls-Royce   

Realising university alone wasn’t for her, Hannah found her stride as a degree apprentice in Materials Engineering at Rolls-Royce. She’s saved over £75,000 a year through defect reduction projects and gained hands-on experience with advanced research tools. Outside work, she champions diversity in STEM, chairs the Education Outreach committee, and serves as a relatable role model for young women. Her journey shows the real-world impact of degree apprenticeships. 

T Level Student of the Year, sponsored by Eduqas and EAL:  

Recognising a student whose commitment to learning and skills development in both education and the workplace positions them as an inspiring role model for careers in engineering and manufacturing.   

Winner: Mohammed Mahmood, T Level Student at Newcastle and Stafford College Group   

Mohammed came to the UK from Sudan with limited English and no industry experience. He chose a T Level in Building Services Engineering to gain technical and practical skills, completing placements with Sodexo and 24-7 Group while supporting his family. With help from tutors and bootcamps like Regeneration Brainery, he earned university offers and a degree apprenticeship. Now, he inspires others from disadvantaged backgrounds, proving education can transform lives. 

Training Provider Skills Champion of the Year, sponsored by EAL:     

Recognising outstanding commitment to learning and skills development that supports sustainable engineering and manufacturing growth through partnerships between providers and employers.   

Winner: UWE Bristol  

Since 2017, UWE Bristol has supported over 1,000 Engineering and Built Environment apprentices, with achievement rates up to 100%. Its Women in Industry project addresses skills and diversity gaps by partnering with employers and STEM networks, boosting female applicants by 60% in a year. Through mentoring, outreach, and collaboration, UWE is driving inclusive growth and closing skills gaps across the West of England. 

SME Employer Skills Champion of the Year, sponsored by The National Network of Institutes of Technology:  

Recognising outstanding commitment by an engineering or manufacturing SME employer to sustainable business improvement through learning and development.    

Winner: Useful Simple Trust  

UST drives skills excellence through a structured, future-focused approach. Their 2024–28 Business Plan targets gaps in climate adaptation, regenerative design, and digital and carbon literacy. Programmes like Carbon Literacy and Critical Thinking training, backed by strong EDI and leadership support, empower an inclusive, skilled workforce. As a social enterprise, UST’s collaborative culture and industry partnerships deliver measurable impact and sector-wide progress. 

Large Employer Skills Champion, sponsored by Learning and Work Institute 

Recognising outstanding commitment by a large engineering or manufacturing employer to sustainable business improvement through learning and development.     

Winner: Kilnbridge   

Kilnbridge has overhauled talent development to address the industry’s skills crisis. Moving away from reliance on self-employed engineers, it launched a graduate programme with ICE, apprenticeships, and outreach reaching thousands of students yearly. Learning and mentorship are embedded across all four in-house businesses, creating clear career paths. This strategy grew PAYE staff by 3% in six months and hit record apprentice numbers. Kilnbridge’s holistic approach sets a new benchmark for sustainable workforce growth in construction and civil engineering. 

New Talent Inspiration Programme of the Year, sponsored by Biffa:  

Recognising a programme that has used innovative or different means to successfully attract new talent into the engineering and manufacturing sector.  

Winner: Empowering NEET Young People to Choose Engineering As a Career, Engineered Learning  

Engineered Learning helps vulnerable NEET young people and those with EHCPs access engineering careers through hands-on training in fabrication, welding, and motor vehicle skills. For 13 years, their industry-style workshop has combined skilled engineers with youth work expertise to deliver NCFE Level 1 qualifications and real workplace experience. Backed by local authorities, their programme boosts confidence, employability, and breaks cycles of exclusion from traditional education. 

The Enginuity Alliance Collaboration Award, sponsored by Innovate UK:  

Recognising powerful alliances and collaborations that address the core challenges in engineering and manufacturing (or problem statements) that guide Enginuity’s work.  

Winner: The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme  

The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme tackles engineering and manufacturing skills shortages through a flexible model that lets apprentices gain experience across multiple employers with consistent mentoring and support. This inclusive approach boosts retention, removes barriers, and builds diverse, future-ready talent. Aligned with Enginuity’s mission, Aspire supports employers of all sizes, promotes social mobility, and drives regional economic growth. 

The Best of British Engineering Award sponsored by Enginuity  

Decided on the evening of the ceremony, from the individual winners of the above categories. This award recognises either individuals who have achieved or demonstrated outstanding commitment to their profession or organisations that are leading in their field and helping to make our world better using engineering or manufacturing advances in technology, innovation, thought leadership or environmental impact. 

Winner: Mohammed Mahmood  

The overall winner of The Best of British Engineering Award is a remarkable example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, praised Mohammed’s achievements, saying, “It’s amazing to see what he has accomplished. His belief that education is a gift not given but earned truly inspires us all.”  

An evening of excellence  

Events like the Skills Awards 2025 are made possible by the support and creativity of an outstanding community.   

Ann Watson added: “To close skills gaps in UK engineering and manufacturing, we must shine a light on the incredible talent, innovation, and best practice happening across the sector,” says Ann Watson, Chief Executive of Enginuity. 

“The Skills Awards 2025 celebrates the people and organisations driving real change, and I want to thank every nominee and winner for inspiring the next generation and building a stronger, more inclusive future for our industries.” 

Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners, and thank you to our wonderful attendees, sponsors, partners and hosts.  

Explore the Enginuity Skills Awards