Smethwick-based A&M EDM precision engineers is celebrating the selection of two of its apprentices as finalists in the EEF Midland region apprentice of the year award by the manufacturers’ organisation.

The A&M apprentices shortlisted for the EEF award are Brett Moore and Joshua Salt, both aged 20 and entering the final year of their three-year apprenticeships.

A&M EDM won the 2016 Express & Star SME of the Year, it has 58 staff and manufactures components for customers in aerospace, automotive and Formula 1 engines. A&M tackled the skills gap by developing their own apprenticeship programme to produce the next generation of skilled engineers to drive the company’s growth.

Mark Wingfield, managing director of A&M said: “Manufacturing is vital for the UK’s prosperity and the EEF awards highlight the importance of apprenticeships to equip young people with the engineering skills to enjoy fulfilling careers. We are very proud of Brett and Joshua; both are talented and hungry to learn. It’s outstanding for A&M as a small Black Country engineering firm to have two apprentices recognised.”

Joshua Salt was inspired by his grandfather to become an apprentice. He uses computer-controlled machines and a 3D handheld scanner. Joshua said: “It’s a great honour to be shortlisted for this award. My apprenticeship with A&M EDM has given me supervised on-the-job training and the responsibility to work on components for Formula 1 engines and aerospace projects from an early stage. I recommend a manufacturing apprenticeship as the route to a great career.”

Brett Moore built BMX bikes as a teenager and saw the benefits of earning and learning as an apprentice. He has been trained on different engineering processes including lathes and grinding and is skilled in precision wire and spark erosion techniques.

Brett said: “My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to combine engineering theory with practical experience of a range of engineering skills which will build my career in manufacturing. I appreciate the confidence A&M has shown in me and the opportunity to grow with the company.”

The apprentices will find out who has been crowned regional winner at a ceremony in Northampton in November. If successful, they will then go on to compete with other regional winners from across the UK for the EEF national title.

This award nomination isn’t the only success that A&M EDM has celebrated this year. Back in January it credited Think Sandwell with much of its success in securing Regional Growth Funding (RGF) money to open a second manufacturing site within 100 yards of its original site in Smethwick.

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[Image: Joshua Salt and Brett Moore, A&M EDM apprentices, finalists in the EEF Midland Region award.]