Young achievers promote opportunities in engineering

Zoe Sparling and Shaun Pearson with the award-winning apprentices from HETA’s Scunthorpe and Stallingborough sites.

A former engineering apprentice teamed up with a professional footballer to offer inspiration to young people from Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) as they set out into the world of work.

Zoe Sparling, who began her engineering career at HETA, was joined by Grimsby Town player Shaun Pearson in speaking to successful learners as the company held the annual awards for its Scunthorpe and Stallingborough sites at the Humber Royal Hotel in Grimsby.

The recipients, who were recognised for their successes during the first year of their training, were joined by their families and by representatives of some of the biggest businesses in the region, many of which sponsored the awards.

Dr Malcolm Joslin, chair of HETA’s trustees, told the apprentices that securing a place with the company was in itself a significant achievement. HETA usually receives around 800 applications but only accepts about 200 new apprentices each year.

Dr Joslin added that the apprentices themselves are great advertisements for the quality of the training and for the opportunities which exist in engineering.

He said: “Zoe was an inspirational speaker at the awards as she told about her experience building a career as a Process Control Specialist at Phillips 66. Zoe won one of the categories at her own HETA apprenticeship awards evening only three years ago and she is now studying for a Higher National Diploma in Operations Engineering.

“Shaun urged the apprentices to put their hearts into their work because that can make a difference even if someone else has greater ability. He drew on his own experience to show the value of perseverance. At 18, his dream of being a professional footballer seemed a long way from reality, but his determination and family support has helped him become a professional in the Football League with Grimsby Town.

“This is a great time for young people to consider entering an apprenticeship. There is commitment from government and a number of local companies are turning to apprentices as they recognise the need to replace an ageing workforce in the engineering sector.”