Leading the celebrations was University of Sunderland graduate Neil Mawson, who was named Apprentice Ambassador of the Year for his outstanding contribution to apprenticeships and engineering skills development across the region.
Joining him among the winners was Ethan Taylor, who received the Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year award, while fellow University apprentice Matthew Coates was named a finalist in the same category.
The achievements contributed to a successful evening for Pearson Engineering’s subsidiary Responsive Engineering, which was also shortlisted for Large Employer of the Year.
Championing Apprenticeships
Neil graduated from the University’s Automotive Design & Manufacture programme in 2003 and has remained closely connected to Sunderland throughout his career.
Since joining Pearson Engineering in 2023 as Learning & Development Manager, he has helped expand the company’s apprenticeship programme from a small cohort to more than 50 employees developing their careers through apprenticeships across a range of technical disciplines.
Reflecting on his award, Neil said:
“Winning Apprentice Ambassador of the Year was genuinely unexpected and a real honour. To be recognised among so many passionate professionals who support apprentices and champion vocational education is incredibly humbling.”
He added that the award reflects more than two decades spent supporting apprentices and promoting the value of vocational learning.
Building Engineering Talent Together
Pearson Engineering’s partnership with the University has grown through its participation in the Engineering Practice Degree Apprenticeship programme.
The company currently has three apprentices studying on the programme, with another expected to join later this year.
Neil believes the combination of academic study and workplace experience is key to developing future engineering talent.
“The programme provides an excellent balance of academic learning and practical workplace application, allowing apprentices to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours while making meaningful contributions from an early stage.”
He added that developing talent through apprenticeships has become a core part of the company’s long-term workforce strategy, helping build a sustainable pipeline of skilled engineers for the future.
Apprentice Success Stories
One of the programme’s success stories is Ethan Taylor, who joined Responsive Engineering in 2024 after completing a Level 3 qualification.
Now a valued member of the engineering team, Ethan supports design, testing and compliance activities on live client projects. His achievements earned him the Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year title.
Ethan said:
“My studies at Sunderland are helping me develop both technical knowledge and practical skills. Being recognised is something I am extremely proud of and gives me greater confidence in my abilities.”
Fellow Engineering Practice Degree Apprentice Matthew Coates, who joined the business after completing his A Levels in 2024, was recognised as a finalist.
Matthew said:
“This achievement reflects the effort and commitment I’ve put into balancing university studies with my role as an apprentice manufacturing engineer. It’s also a reflection of the support I’ve received from my employer, colleagues and the University of Sunderland.”
Developing the Region’s Future Workforce
Neil believes apprentices continue to make a significant contribution across the organisation by bringing new ideas, improving processes and supporting innovation.
HR Director Dawn Prior said the awards highlight the value of apprenticeships and strong education partnerships.
“Our recognition at the North East Apprenticeship Awards is a proud moment for the entire business. The achievements of Neil, Ethan and Matthew demonstrate how clear career pathways and strong educational partnerships help build a sustainable workforce and secure the future of advanced engineering talent across the region.”
Find Out More
Interested in developing engineering talent within your organisation?
The University of Sunderland’s Engineering Practice Degree Apprenticeship helps employers recruit, develop and retain skilled engineers. Join an upcoming employer information event to learn more about how apprenticeships can support your workforce.
