Regional Apprenticeship Award Success for Sheffield Forgemasters' Early Careers Talent

We are proud to announce that Apprentice Metallurgist, Peter Bates has won the coveted Engineering & Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year award at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026.

In a highly competitive category, Peter stood out for his technical ability, leadership, maturity, commitment, and his ability to balance the demands of his role, studies, and wider responsibilities.

We would also like to congratulate our Apprentice Project Manager, Eve Elliot, who received a Special Recognition Award in the same category.

(Image 1): Peter Bates celebrates his success at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026

(Image 2): Our former CEO and current British Manufacturing Consortium chair, Graham Honeyman CBE poses with Josh Gavin (Stelrad), Eve Elliot and Peter Bates with their respective awards

Described by colleagues as being “beyond his years”, Peter is currently undertaking a Degree Apprenticeship and is already making a significant impact across the business. His dedication, attitude, and willingness to learn have made him a standout apprentice and a fantastic ambassador for engineering careers across the region and beyond.

Shortly after receiving the award, Peter said: “This feels like everyone’s award, not just mine. I’ve had amazing support from my line manager, mentor, the Early Careers team, the wider business, and our training provider throughout my apprenticeship journey. I’m incredibly grateful for all their support and belief in me.”

The evening recognised the importance of investing in future talent and local training providers that support us develop the next generation.

Jenna Carr, Early Careers Manager at Sheffield Forgemasters, presented the Training Provider of the Year award and said, “Apprenticeships are vital to building the future skills our industry needs. Investing in apprentices not only supports individual growth and opportunity, but strengthens businesses, innovation and the wider engineering sector. Peter’s achievement is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when talent, support and opportunity come together.”

Congratulations once again to Peter, Eve and everyone involved in supporting the next generation of engineering and manufacturing professionals.