Talented engineer Philippa Dressler-Pearson scooped the overall Best of British Engineering award as well as UK’s Apprentice of the Year at the 2017 Semta Skills Awards on 8 March.

The 23-year-old from Worcestershire had to bounce back from redundancy during her third year of her Apprenticeship and found a new position with Southco Manufacturing. Through hard work and determination she completed her Level 3 qualifications and Foundation Degree without deferment or interruption.

Philippa said: “This is an incredible honour. I started my Apprenticeship four years ago and after 18 months the company I previously worked for went into administration.

“I picked myself up, my training provider and college were incredible. I would say to anyone be enthusiastic, enjoy what you do and you will succeed.”

Winners were announced across nine categories including Diversity in Engineering, won by Atkins Global, and Katie Gray, of Vector Aerospace Component Services in Scotland, scooped Technician of the Year. Other categories include Higher Apprentice of the Year, Graduate of the Year, Skills Champion of the Year, Skills Innovation of the Year, SME Investment in Skills and Training Partner of the Year, as well as the Apprentice of the Year and overall Best in British Engineering award.

Follow the link to see the full list of winners: http://semta.org.uk/skillsawards

An independent industry panel of judges whittled down hundreds of nominated engineers and companies for the 2017 awards to a shortlist of 27. The shortlist comprised 12 companies, ten men and five women. Winners were announced at a ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel in Park Lane on 8 March, hosted by BBC presenter Alexander Armstrong.