Ben was a finalist at the esteemed Merchant Adventurers' Apprenticeship Awards held in York in October 2024, and also won the award for the most exceptional young person in STEM at a Scarborough Business Ambassadors event during the same month, as part of Scarborough Science and Engineering Week.

After completing his GCSEs at Pocklington, Ben chose to pursue a career in welding, specialising in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. His passion for welding stemmed from doing a work placement as part of his course at Bishop Burton College.

Ben decided to leave the College after a year and armed with his CV and photos of a recent project, he visited several metalwork companies and introduced himself. Impressed by his skills and initiative, a local company offered him a three-year apprenticeship in conjunction with Derwent Training Association in Malton. Ben has flourished in this role, as evidenced by his recent awards.

Ben’s employer praised his dedication, stating: “From his first day in the business, Ben has shown an insatiable appetite for learning and development, always challenging himself with new tasks. He quickly mastered TIG welding and within a couple of weeks, he was manufacturing basic items for live jobs.”

“As the weeks and months progressed, Ben continued to improve, tackling increasingly complex projects. Currently, he is expanding his skills by learning the polishing and finishing processes, as well as the cutting and folding of sheet metal components. Ben’s journey with us has been nothing short of impressive. His enthusiasm, dedication, and skills have made him an asset to our team, and I am confident that he will continue to excel in his career.”

On receiving his awards, Ben commented: “I feel humbled and honoured that my work has been recognised in this way. I really enjoy welding especially the hands-on and technical aspects of the job. I’ve learnt so much in a short space of time. It’s great to feel I am progressing. I’m grateful to my employer for giving me the chance and to Derwent Training Association for supporting me with my apprenticeship.”

Ben’s achievements are a testament to his hard work and passion for his craft, setting a shining example for aspiring apprentices in the STEM fields.