Nineteen-year-old Davina Kaur is shortlisted in the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside finals of the Apprentice Endeavour Award, while 37 year-old Camila Rey da Rosa is a South regional finalist in the Engineering Apprentice Rising Star category.
Kaur’s nomination recognises her inspirational personal and professional transformation through her apprenticeship, as well as noting her commitment to the manufacturing sector as an ambassador for STEM careers and apprenticeships. Based in Stokeley, North Yorkshire, the apprentice robot technician with Labman Automation has already scooped several national awards including the top accolade of the Best of British Engineering Award at the 2021 Enginuity Skills Awards.
Kaur joined the MTC’s apprenticeship programme in September 2018 when she was battling severe mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. With the support of the team at MTC Apprenticeships, she has overcome her challenges and exceeded even her own expectations to become one of the training provider’s highest performing and most ambitious learners.
Meanwhile, Rey da Rosa’s nomination celebrates her contributions to her employer, Amazon, just two years into her role as a reliability maintenance engineering apprentice technician at its fulfilment centre in Hemel Hempstead, alongside her exceptional commitment and tenacious attitude to her own professional development.
After making the courageous decision to change careers to pursue her engineering passion in her mid-30s, Brazilian-born Camila is excelling in her apprenticeship. As well as studying in her second language, she is the first female technician on her site and often volunteers to work on pre-shift projects to maximise her exposure to new skills and techniques from her mentors.
The nomination also recognises her work to demystify engineering and encourage more girls and women from all backgrounds into the sector through initiatives including her role as vice-chair of the Women in Engineering Society’s (WES) Apprentice Board.
Both apprentices hope to use their achievement as a platform to inspire and encourage others in the manufacturing sector.
“I had to get a new set of UK qualifications just to be eligible to apply for my apprenticeship, so now I’m here I’m determined not to waste a single moment!” said Rey da Rosa. “I want be a role model to inspire people to follow their passion, and to know that apprenticeships are an amazing opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Currently completing the final stages of her apprenticeship, Kaur said: “I’d love to win this award to show people that an apprenticeship can totally change your life. I hope my story inspires other people to believe in themselves and follow in my footsteps to fulfil their potential, especially other women who might be interested in a career in STEM.”
Both apprentices are trained by MTC Apprenticeships at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry.