The ceremony, held at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Manchester, saw five prizes handed out to the region's brightest and best, along with the training providers and universities which support their work.
Guest speaker Richard Noble OBE, director of the Bloodhound supersonic car project praised the work of the young engineers: “It's thrilling to see some of the work going on and to see some of the exciting activities these young people are involved in. The country needs them, and engineering needs them, we need to innovate and they are our future.”
The top prize, the AV Roe Trophy, which recognises the North West's Best Apprentice, went to Alan Maguire of BAE Systems at Samlesbury, whose training is run by Xchanging HR Services.
All awards were sponsored by Rolls Royce except for Best University, which was sponsored by BAE Systems. The awards are part of the NWAA's Take off In Aerospace Campaign aimed at encouraging young people into the industry by changing the image of aerospace and engineering jobs.
Neil McKay, chairman of the NWAA, said: “The NWAA New Talent Awards are an important way to recognise the hard work and excellence of the region's young engineers.
“There is a major skills gap in the engineering sector which must be filled, and these young award winners represent the future of the industry. It is heartening to see so many excellent nominations.
“It is also important to highlight the work conducted by the region's training providers and universities, we should not underestimate their contribution in supporting these bright young people and the aerospace sector.”
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