Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Awards 2023: Winners Celebrate at Mansion House

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) and the Worshipful Company of Horners are pleased to announce that Samuel Johnston of Colloids Ltd has won the 2023 Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Award. The competition aims to recognise the commitment and achievement of apprentices in the polymer industry.

The award was open for any apprentices involved in a technical, engineering, manufacturing or design role nominated by their employers or training provider.

After the initial nominations in October, Sam Johnston, Colloids Ltd Laboratory and Regulatory Apprentice was chosen as a finalist. The next stage in the process required Sam to be assessed by an adjudicating panel and in December he was asked to speak about his achievements, challenges plans and ambitions for the future in front of the five judges.

Sam’s colleagues have been impressed by his dedication to excellence, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Having consistently demonstrated a commitment to his role, Sam has added value to the business and earned the respect and admiration of his peers and supervisors very early on.  He has contributed positively to the overall productivity of the team.

Sam was awarded a £500 cash prize, a ceremonial drinking horn and a formal invitation to Mansion House where he received a Certificate from the Lord Mayor of London.

Nikki Thompson, HR Manager for the Colloids Group states: “We are so proud of Sam’s achievements, this sets the standards for our apprenticeship programme here at Colloids Ltd”.

This year’s runner-up, Coopervision’s Kelly McClory, also received a certificate and a £200 cash prize. She has completed the PIABC Level 3 Diploma in Polymer Processing followed by achieving the Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard. Kelly was nominated by Solutions 4 Polymers, who provide apprenticeship provision to the polymer sector.

The judges were impressed with her determination and commitment. Initially apprehensive about her ability to complete the apprenticeship, Kelly took control of her learning, studying mathematics on her own initiative. Her new confidence and technical ability mean she now plays a key role within the department responsible for tooling insert manufacture, which is a key aspect of contact lens production. Kelly deals with technical matters, leads a team of technicians, and consults with several other departments.

Chairman of the Apprentice Award Committee, Ian Paterson (of The Worshipful Company of the Horners) states: “The standard of entries for the 2023 award was of a particularly high level giving the judges a difficult task. Sam is a worthy winner showing a real dedication to excellence, drive and a passion to develop his knowledge and skills. I am delighted with the success of Sam and runner-up Kelly in this year’s award and congratulate them both on their achievement.”

BPF Director General Philip Law states: “The Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Award is a great way to shine a light on apprentices who have excelled in their role. As the industry looks at ways to narrow the skills gap, apprenticeships play a crucial role and benefit both individuals and employers. I congratulate our very worthy winner and runner-up from this year’s competition.”

The judges also decided that special praise should be given to this year’s ‘highly commended’ Dawid Lipa from Counterplas Ltd and James Nguyen from Berry.

The BPF, in conjunction with The Worshipful Company of the Horners, will re-open this competition shortly as it begins its search for this year’s winner.

To learn more about the awards, visit the BPF website.

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