We are delighted to announce Tamzin Westwood, Engineering Apprentice, Sandown Plant, as our first ever Apprentice of the Year.
Tamzin, a second-year apprentice, was awarded Apprentice of the Year because she is a fantastic role model for other apprentices. Despite initially stepping outside her comfort zone by joining the site, she has continuously excelled as a role model for women in engineering. Tamzin was part of the group that stripped down and cleaned the DeBoer press, then rebuilt it and manufactured new parts. She is a valuable asset to the team and her mature attitude is beyond her years.
Tamzin was presented with her certificate and voucher at our Employee Flame Awards celebration event in July, by Keith Barker, COO Wienerberger UK & Ireland.
Tamzin said: “To be chosen as the winner was so rewarding. I’ve come a long way from being unsure at the start about whether I was making the right decision or if I was going to fit in being the only female working in the maintenance team on the shop floor. Two years in and I haven’t looked back or questioned my decision since. Credit where credit is due, I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for how welcoming and supporting the team at Sandown were to me (and still are).”
Rob Jollands, Engineering Training Manager said: “Tamzin has adapted very well to life in the factory and is picking up the skills required to be a good craftsperson. She always interacts well with her peer group and will help anyone if she sees they are struggling.”
Wienerberger invested in a Centre of Excellence and Apprentice Academy, which was launched last year. The programme goes beyond industry standards with a multi-skilled and holistic approach to meet the needs of the industry and our customers. Working with agencies such as Local Enterprise Partnerships and partner training providers helps to ensure the recruitment process creates a diverse and talented workforce. The programme developed within the Centre of excellence means the engineering apprentices are exposed to best practice in training and development.
Wienerberger also offers apprenticeships to support career development in a range of professional roles across engineering, manufacturing and head office functions. Look out for opportunities as they are advertised.
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