The outstanding achievements of West Yorkshire’s manufacturing and engineering sectors have been highlighted at the annual Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards. Apprentices, graduates, rising stars, mentors, and employers gathered at Leeds Beckett University last week to recognise exceptional contributions to the regional industry at a time when companies face continued skills shortages and recruitment challenges.

The Apprentice of the Year accolade, sponsored by Enginuity, was awarded to Ben King of Kirkstall Precision Engineering. The panel highlighted his progression from working in a fish and chip shop to becoming a gold recipient at WorldSkills and a skilled Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist, noting his contributions to workplace innovation and operational productivity.

Pudsey-based woollen fabrics manufacturer AW Hainsworth received the Large Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by E3 Recruitment. The business was commended for its structured approach to workforce development, staff wellbeing, and career progression frameworks.

Presenting the award, Callum Good of E3 Recruitment noted that AW Hainsworth had established a benchmark for industry standards. He stated: “With 63 employees on personalised development plans, a mental health strategy backed by serious boardroom investment, multi-skilling programmes transforming the shop floor, and leadership pathways that take people all the way to director level, this is a business where development is not a perk, it is part of the culture.”

The Manufacturing Ambassador Award was shared jointly by Dawn Helsby, early careers development officer at Schneider Electric, and Kshamya Mittal, a data analyst apprentice at the same firm. The judging panel described Miss Mittal as "a remarkable young woman with a great career ahead of her", while Mrs Helsby was praised for "consistently going above and beyond her role" and "creating meaningful pathways into industry".

Elisa Henderson, early careers coordinator at water technology specialist RSE Control Systems, secured the Mentor of the Year trophy, presented by Next Gen Makers. The judges selected Miss Henderson for her leadership and support of junior personnel, noting: “Her work stood out for the way she created opportunity, built confidence and helped others progress, making a meaningful difference to both individuals and the wider organisation.”

Solupak, a manufacturer of environmentally sustainable soluble cleaning products, was named SME Employer of the Year in a category sponsored by Leeds City College. The judges noted that the business “invests in its workforce, creates opportunities for development, champions inclusion, and demonstrates that people are at the heart of long-term success.”

Ben Wilson, managing director of MPM and spokesperson for the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, highlighted the calibre of this year's participants across all career stages: "One of the most encouraging things about these awards is the calibre of people being recognised. Looking across this year's finalists and winners, you can see talented individuals at every stage of their careers making a real impact in their businesses, whether as apprentices, graduates, rising stars, mentors or leaders.

"For a long time, manufacturing has faced a challenge in attracting the skilled people it needs, but what we're seeing more and more is talented young people recognising the exciting opportunities the sector offers. These awards showcase exactly the kind of talent helping to shape the industry's future.”

Other honourees at the ceremony included Nava Yousef of Ionix Advanced Technologies, who was named Graduate of the Year; James Jones of Leeds Welding Company, who received the Rising Star award; and Caroline Burrows of Sound Leisure, who was named Manufacturing Leader of the Year.