Daniel Swain completed his Advanced Apprenticeship with Delphi Diesel Systems in Sudbury, Suffolk at the end of August. A runner-up in the 2014 National Apprentice Awards, he was delighted with this recognition from the Institution.
“It is an honour to be named Apprentice of the Year,” he said. “I believe the main reason for my success is a passion for engineering, which has grown exponentially since starting my apprenticeship.”
Announcing Daniel Swain as the winner, the judges noted: “He operates at a high level both in and outside his work environment, with a remarkable breadth of capability, application and interests.”
As chair of the Delphi Apprentice Association, Dan has spearheaded development of an open-day programme to demonstrate the benefits of an apprenticeship at Delphi to visiting school children. “Promoting apprenticeships has been particularly fulfilling,” he explained. “I have seen intelligent young people open up to the idea, as I did, when their opportunities and benefits are highlighted over traditional university routes.”
Dan has demonstrated high levels of innovation, competency and leadership, as well as impressive career progression and personal development. He was invited to work in an analytical placement role in Poland, extending his communication skills and gaining knowledge of different manufacturing environments, along with vital leadership experience. This enabled him to successfully develop and implement a cost-saving rework system, which to date has resulted in savings of over £200,000.
His commitments to ambassadorship, charity fundraising, and mentoring are significant, which can be challenging alongside his ambitious career targets:
“In the next three-to-five years I hope to fund the start of my Lean Six-Sigma training, beginning my journey to achieving ‘Black-Belt’ status. I also aim to complete a Masters’ Degree and become a Chartered Engineer, while continuing to promote engineering apprenticeships through both Delphi and the Young Apprentice Ambassador’s Network.”
Roy Engle, Delphi Training Supervisor, recognised Swain’s talent in 2012, when he won Delphi Apprentice of the Year in his first year of training with the company. Mr Engle commented: “Dan has impressed senior management, colleagues and school children alike. His passion for engineering has changed people’s perceptions of apprenticeships, helping them to make a more objective career choice. He balances a professional approach whilst exhibiting the soft skills required to get the most out of people around him. Dan has been a shining example to others in the Delphi scheme and his performance can only be considered the ‘benchmark’ by people looking for a role model.”
The runners up were:
• Sam Harris from the Ford Motor Company
• Scott Patterson from Siemens IndustrialTurbomachinery Ltd.
The judges, Andrew Livesey and Robert Dewhurst, commended all three finalists, saying they were exemplary winners and, wishing them all luck with their future studies and careers.
About the Bryan Hildrew Apprentice of the Year Award
This award has been running since 2010. In 2014 it became the Bryan Hildrew Apprentice of the Year Award in recognition of Bryan Hildrew, a former apprentice and President of the Institution.
Bryan Hildrew did his apprenticeship with the North Eastern Marine Engine Works, Sunderland. He attended Sunderland Technical College, and studied for an external degree at London University and joined the Royal Navy as an Engineer Officer after completing his apprenticeship.
After a successful career in research, and travelling the world, he became the Technical Director at Lloyd’s Register of Shipping. Bryan Hildrew became the President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 1980.
To win this award, apprentices must demonstrate outstanding study skills, and show how they have made a positive difference to their company. They should have gone above and beyond their normal duties, often taking on extra responsibilities.
Any charity or voluntary work is relevant, especially related to engineering and encouraging young people into engineering. Apprentices must also show a commitment to professional development and a career plan for the next three to five years.
Find out more about the
Bryan Hildrew Apprentice of the Year Award.