Engineering apprentice Connor Duncan from Billingham, who is based at Breedon’s Coxhoe quarry near Durham, has been awarded regional runner-up in the ‘Intermediate or Advanced First Year Apprentice Award’, at the regional finals of this year’s EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.

The winners and runners-up of each category were announced at the Northeast, Yorkshire and Humberside regional celebration lunch, held at the Pavilions of Harrogate in North Yorkshire on 17 November.

Connor, who is working towards a BTEC National Diploma and NVQ Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering Maintenance at East Durham College, was shortlisted for the award after completing a 2,000-word initial application and interview process.

Connor says: “I am really proud to receive runner-up and to know that my hard work has been recognised. My apprenticeship is a very rewarding experience that offers many opportunities, and I hope that my achievement encourages others to take up an apprenticeship in manufacturing.”

Breedon’s Coxhoe Quarry Manager Paul Halliday comments: “This is a great achievement for Connor and we congratulate him for being recognised for his commitment, dedication and enthusiasm to pursue a career in manufacturing.”

Connor’s latest success comes just nine months after receiving ‘Student of the Year’ from the Northumbria branch of the Welding Institute at the Institute’s 83rd Annual Dinner and Student Awards.

East Durham College Trainer/Assessor Dion Bowes adds: “Connor has done exceptionally well to achieve runner-up. It is great that he has been recognised for his hard work.”

The winners of the regional EEF Future Manufacturing Awards will now go on to compete in the national finals, which will take place in London in January.

For more information about the awards visit: www.eef.org.uk/awards/