Search continues for UK’s top manufacturing apprentices

Mitchell Pritchard from North Staffordshire based Bennett Architectural Aluminium Solutions Ltd has won the prize of the UK Manufacturing Apprentice for February and receives £100 Topman Vouchers as a prize. The initiative, set up AMI, a web design & marketing agency that specialises in supporting UK manufacturing companies.

Mitchell now qualifies for the AMI UK Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year 2018, joined by Ryan Heath (January Winner) and the eventual winners of the remaining months of 2018. The competition has been launched to find and recognise the very best apprentices currently working within the UK manufacturing industry.

Mitchell Pritchard (l), February’s winner of the UK Manufacturing Apprentice competition / Picture: AMI

Paul Johnson, Design Manager at Bennett Architectural said: “From starting on a part time basis and having a limited knowledge of aluminium glazing and curtain walling, Mitchell has developed his knowledge to become an integral member of the Design team. He has worked with Foster & Partners, one of the biggest architectural firms in the world on the Maggie’s Centre in Manchester which to date has won 13 awards for its design.”

When asked what he enjoys the most about his role at Bennett Architectural, Mitchell said “I enjoy the fact that every day presents different challenges which means my job never gets boring. It also helps that we have a fantastic team who get on with each other and are willing to work together effectively.”

“Mitchell has also gained the respect of his colleagues in other areas of the business who quickly realised they could ask him a question or query a detail and trust his answer.

Mitchell will also offer guidance to the newer team members who are coming through the processing area of design in the same way that he did.” added Paul.

Bennett Architectural is a family owned and run aluminium glazing specialist that has been based in North Staffordshire since 1960. The company provides architectural window systems and curtain walling for construction projects in the following sectors – health, education, leisure, private residential, commercial, residential, retail, residential and public.

Lionel Grant, Managing Director, Bennett Architectural added: “Apprentices are extremely important to the workforce here at Bennett Architectural.  People make the difference here and through our apprenticeship schemes in Design and Fabrication we have a proven track record for development of young people and showing that you can be your very best working at our company.”