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24 April 2006
Broxton Apprentice wins ‘Best Overall Engineering Student’

Swindon student Scott Bailes, who is an apprentice at leading sheet metalwork specialist, Broxton Industries, has won the Avon Vale Training Award for the Best Overall Engineering Student at the 2006 Swindon College’s Annual Awards Ceremony. The award was open to some 50 first year students, and was judged on effort, attendance and commitment to studies.

In recognition of his award, Scott, 17, has received a silver tankard and plaque together with a cheque from the award’s sponsors. His tutor at Swindon College, Tom Brabazon – who himself has a good deal of hands-on manufacturing experience – called Scott a ‘model student’ and ‘a pleasure to teach’. Scott joined Broxton as an apprentice in August 2005 and has completed a year full-time at Swindon College. He will now continue as a day release student while he gains direct experience at Broxton – a company that itself has gained accolades this year at the industry’s renowned Metalworking Production (MWP) Awards.

Marcus Ellams, Broxton’s managing director, said: ‘We are very proud of Scott’s achievement. It is great to see him applying himself to his studies and gaining recognition for it. I am sure that if he continues his hard work he will develop into a fine engineer and be an asset to us.

Neil Hopwood, Scott’s manager at Broxton explains that although Scott is the first apprentice Broxton has had for a number of years the support gained from both Swindon College and Avon Vale Training – who helped with the selection process and provides mentors for apprentices – has proved invaluable. Broxton is hoping to recruit another apprentice at the end of the next academic year, once Scott’s apprenticeship is well underway.

‘Taking Scott on as an apprentice has been our response to the fact that there’s a genuine skills shortage,’ says Neil. ‘We have recognized that we need to develop our own expertise and plan for the long term. With good technical skills and an understanding of the day-to-day processes Scott will fill a much-needed gap on the shop floor at technician level.’

Notes to Editor:

Note 1 - About Broxton Industries Ltd

Formed in 1973, Broxton designs and manufactures first class sheet metalwork that combines consistent quality with ease of manufacturability and cost-efficiency. Today, under the ownership and management of its founding directors, Broxton is a one-stop shop for many prestigious clients, in diverse industry sectors.

Our goal is simple: to provide market leading levels of service and engineering capability. Utilizing strict quality control and continuous improvement programmes enables us to reduce non-conformance and achieve exceptionally high levels of on-time delivery (OTD) whilst reducing lead times.

We are committed to improving productivity and reducing unit costs and this is underpinned by our extensive investment in world-class production technology and cost control.

Note 2 – Photograph

If would like any additional information or photos please call Marcus Ellams.

Tel: 01285 653515
DDI: 01285 646575
Mobile : 07710 825599
Email: marcus.ellams@broxton.com