The 2024 awards were hosted by Rich Williams (Radio broadcaster for Virgin Radio UK) and were held at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford on Thursday, 9 May. This year, there were 14 categories including SME Employer of the Year, Degree Apprentice of the Year and Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year. The winners were decided by a panel of judges, comprising industry experts: Suzie Bell (Project Manager – Ahead Partnership), Nick Garthwaite, and Katie Rankin (Co-chair of the Yorkshire and Humber AAN – Emerging Talent and Careers Manager at Jet2/Jet2 Holidays).

Andrew Mannion (CMM Process Lead) and Maria Perrins (Technical Engineer) were also selected as finalists for Degree Apprentice of the Year and Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year, respectively. They received Special Recognition certificates at the awards.

Robert Farrell, Training School Manager, said:
“We were delighted to learn that Andrew and Maria had been announced as finalists in the competition. They both really deserve to be recognised for their achievements, their contribution to the business and the support they give to the younger apprentices at Reliance.”

The Reliance Precision Apprenticeship Scheme has been in operation for over 60 years. Apprentices make up approximately 10% of the Huddersfield workforce and 28% of employees are current or former Reliance apprentices. The company currently aims to take on 4 to 6 individuals each year who, in their first year, are based in the company’s EAL recognised training facility which has been accredited by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Robert comments:
“It’s fantastic to be recognised as SME Apprentice Employer of the Year, especially given the high standard of apprenticeships in the West Yorkshire region. We are absolutely delighted with the result, and I am proud to represent Reliance and its apprenticeship scheme. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helps to make the scheme a success. It simply would not be possible without the support of the mentors, team leaders, support team, leadership team and family owners. This award brings recognition for everyone’s hard work and highlights Reliance’s commitment to apprenticeships.”