A TALENTED young apprentice from Minehead has won this year’s regional Outstanding Apprentice of the Year award. 
 
Matthew Neal, aged 19, came up trumps at the EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards where he won the Outstanding First Year Apprentice Award.

The apprentice at HepcoMotion beat off high-calibre competition from five other shortlisted apprentices from across the region after impressing judges with his commitment, ambition and drive to pursue a career in manufacturing. He received his award at At-Bristol, a leading UK science centre and education charity.
 
Matthew is now in the running for the national title. He will be going head-to-head with other regional winners from across the UK at the national awards being held in London in January next year. 
 
Matthew said: “I’m delighted and shocked to have won this award. It’s a great feeling to be recognised in this way for doing something I genuinely enjoy and that is setting me up for life. I’m only at the very start of my career in manufacturing and already it is proving to be both rewarding and challenging in equal measure.
 
“I can’t wait now for the national finals next year, where I’ll have another chance to prove myself. I hope my success encourages other apprentices to enter these awards, and other young people to seriously consider becoming an apprentice too.”
 
John Morris, CEO of JAM Recruitment, said: “Matthew undoubtedly deserves this award. He won the judges over with his dedication, determination and drive and should be congratulated for doing so well, especially when up against other such highly talented and inspiring apprentices.
 
“Apprentices are the lifeblood of our sector and have a vital role to play in the future of engineering and manufacturing. It’s great to see Matthew’s efforts being recognised and I wish him the best of luck in the national finals.”