Newcastle, 2012-Nov-22
Siemens is recognised as one of the Top 100 UK apprenticeship employers,* with a much-prized apprenticeship programme and record number of apprentices joining this year (170) across its four sectors. The vocational route can open up a world of opportunity, and Liam Hunter is in many ways a model apprentice. The judging panel, led by Cranfield University and the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge, commented:
“Liam Hunter has demonstrated a commendable level of progression from a craft apprenticeship through to a technical pathway and has now embarked on a part-time honours degree in mechanical engineering. This candidate is very clear on his future career ambitions and his performance at work has been recognised by
receiving a number of awards. He has also been proactive in supporting his employers’ efforts to promote careers in the sector with an additional role of mentoring apprentices within the company.”
Liam Hunter
Liam started the Siemens Energy Service Apprenticeship Programme in September 2008. From day one, Liam made an impression with his knowledge, interpersonal skills and trademark pink tie! In addition to his work achievements, Liam has also excelled academically, earning glowing reports at Tyne Metropolitan College, where he was regarded as “an excellent student,” and “a very willing, diligent learner.” Liam earned a much deserved Merit Distinction in his HNC.
On completion of his apprenticeship Liam was selected for the position of quality control engineer in Siemens Energy Service Fossil blade shop. Siemens is a global leader in turbine operations and maintenance for conventional and renewable power plants and employs over 900 people at its Fossil Service business in Newcastle. The Newcastle site also boasts an impressive £9 million training centre for service technicians. Liam has continued with his training and has excelled in his current role, working on some of the company’s biggest projects for UK and international customers. Liam has also contributed to other initiatives, such as DVDs for the training centre and promotion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational material.
Commenting on the route he has taken and what he has achieved, Liam said:
"My father and grandfather were both apprentices and what appealed to me was learning a trade and earning while gaining qualifications at the same time.
I found out about Siemens through my GCSE engineering teacher. I researched what Siemens had to offer and the company outshone others offering similar programmes. Siemens had just invested millions of pounds in a state of the art training centre which convinced me that the company spent a lot of time, money and effort into getting the best out of its apprentices. I knew that Siemens was a company that I could grow and progress within and help me get to where I wanted to be in the future. The apprenticeship scheme has been a spring board for me and I am delighted to have achieved runner up in this award.”
Liam’s other achievements include, the coveted Siemens Apprentice of the Year accolade in 2011, recent success in gaining a place for a degree course in Mechanical Engineering at Northumbria University, as well as progress on his path to a new engineering or technical role within Siemens.
Graham Hartley, divisional managing director, Siemens Energy Service Fossil said:
“Liam has proved to be a model apprentice, as well as a model employee and we congratulate him on this much deserved recognition. Liam has demonstrated true talent and commitment to the business. He has been quick to recognise the value that apprentices bring to the business and what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and a positive team spirit.”
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Notes to editors:
* Noted in the National Apprenticeship Service and City & Guilds list of the Top 100 apprenticeship employers
About Siemens in the UK
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 169 years ago and now employs 12,972 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £4.4 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s globa headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
For more information contact:
Rachel Odams
Siemens plc
Tel: +44 (0)1604 696 614
Mobile: +44 (0)7808 824209
Email: rachel.odams@siemens.com
