A Warrington-based engineer is celebrating after being recognised at a prestigious ceremony to honour the very best of engineering construction talent.
Toby Highstead, who is a mechanical engineer at Amentum, was named Graduate of the Year at the 12th annual ECI Training and Development Awards last night in London.
The event, organised by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), brought together industry leaders, as well as the rising stars of tomorrow, for a celebration of excellence in training and development.
Held at One Marylebone, an iconic Grade I listed building in the heart of the capital, the event was hosted by Chair of the ECITB Innov8 Group Chinwe Odili, a STEM champion and award-winning structural engineer from Kent plc.
Toby came out on top after being shortlisted in the final three for the award, which recognises the achievements of individuals actively pursuing or having successfully completed a graduate programme within their organisations in the past 12 months.
The 24-year-old joined Jacobs in September 2022 and spent two years as a graduate mechanical engineer working in the north of Scotland on Dounreay in the nuclear decommissioning sector, engaging in project planning, design and implementation. Jacobs merged with Amentum in September this year and he is now based in Warrington.
Toby, who graduated with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leicester, was recognised by the judges for his technical prowess, innovative problem-solving, leadership, dedication to community and environmental stewardship.
The award submission highlighted how his innovative contributions and ability to leverage technology have strengthened client relations and enhanced project efficiency and accuracy significantly, exemplified by his use of AI and creation of a custom code using ChatGPT.
Reacting to the award, Toby said: “I was told when I was younger that I would never become an engineer, so I am over the moon to have been recognised for what I have achieved.
“I always enjoyed STEM subjects when I was at school, I was into science and maths. I remember my year four teacher pulling my parents to one side at a parents evening and saying I had a talent. I hope he would be proud of me now.
“This is only the start of my career. I can only see it going further from here. Winning means a lot to me. It shows the passion I have for this industry.”
The ceremony recognised standout individuals, companies and training providers as awards were presented to winners across nine categories at what is now an established highlight in the engineering construction industry’s (ECI) calendar.
The judging panel for the awards was made up of Mark Fotheringham from Infinity Engineering, Tracey Shelley from BCECA and John Webster from Applus UK, who picked the overall winners based on the significant contributions they have made both to the ECI and their own organisations.
The theme of the awards was change and, in opening the event, ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey spoke of the new Government’s commitment to skills and how the industry is changing as it plays its part in realising the country’s net zero goals.
He said: “The ECITB, as the industry’s employer-led training board, stands at the heart of these changes to support the skills needs of the workforce.
“With our collective desire, endeavour and expertise, exemplified by the exceptional talent gathered at the awards, we can tackle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities to ensure our industry is well-placed for the future.
“The standard of nominees this year was again incredibly high, showcasing the great things happening in training and development across the industry.
“I would like to thank our judges and congratulate all the winners and finalists who are great examples of excellence in our industry.”
Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair of the ECITB Board, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone honoured and thank our generous sponsors who made the evening possible.
“The event is an opportunity to celebrate the best of the best within our industry. The individuals and organisations nominated exemplify the talent, innovation and endeavour that our industry needs.
“They remind us to continuously strive to raise the bar for excellence in training and development. And in this ever-evolving world, the importance of their contributions is clearer than ever.”
As well as each category being sponsored, the drinks and entertainment were sponsored by Bechtel and Kingsfield Academy respectively, while the dinner was sponsored by Hinkley Point C.
Philippa Burt, HR Director at Hinkley Point C, said: “Hinkley Point C is a catalyst for long-term growth in the engineering construction industry and will leave a legacy of a more skilled and productive workforce that gives the region, and the wider UK, a competitive edge as it delivers the UK’s ambitions for energy security and net zero.
“The huge team involved in building the power station understand the critical importance of training and development and we are delighted to play a small part in shining a spotlight on the outstanding work taking place in the sector by attendees at the awards.”
