Registrants make the shortlist for 2025 Engineering Talent Awards

Published: 11/07/2025

The Engineering Council would like to congratulate the registered engineers and technicians who have been shortlisted as finalists in this year’s Engineering Talent Awards (ETAs). 

Now in their sixth year, the awards celebrate individuals and organisations making a significant impact on diversity, equity  and inclusion in engineering and technology.
Etas 2025 (352X280px)

Organised by EqualEngineers in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and The Metro newspaper, the ETAs highlight talent at all levels in the profession - from apprentices and graduates to senior leaders and employer networks.

This year’s shortlist features several registrants across a range of categories:

Engineering Apprentice of the Year

  • Isabella Henderson EngTech TMIET
    Software Engineer, Northrop Grumman UK

Executive Leader of the Year

  • Michael Gerges CEng MIET 
    Associate Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton

Engineer of the Year

  • Ann Hodgetts CEng MIMechE
    Non-Executive Director, STEMAZING
  • Christopher Smeeth CEng MIET MInstMC
    Senior Design Engineer (Control & Instrumentation), AWE Nuclear Security Technologies

  • Leon Nicholson CEng MIET
    Rolls-Royce SMR

  • Mohamed Ayaz CEng MIMechE
    Assistant Project Manager, AtkinsRéalis

University Engineering Staff Member of the Year

  • Margalite Vilnay CEng MICE
    Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering, University of Dundee

Engineering Returner of the Year

  • Sarah Hodgkinson CEng MIMechE
    Senior Manager, Power Station Integration, Rolls-Royce SM

Dr Mark McBride-Wright, Founder of EqualEngineers and the Engineering Talent Awards commented: 

“Every year, the Engineering Talent Awards reveal the incredible depth and diversity of talent driving change across our sector. The 2025 shortlist showcases individuals and organisations who are not only delivering technical excellence, but who are leading the charge in creating inclusive, welcoming environments where everyone can thrive.
“I’m proud that the ETAs continue to provide a national platform for celebrating role models who are making a real difference in our industry.”

As we celebrate the achievements of these finalists, professional registration stands as an important acknowledgment of an engineer’s dedication and expertise. It represents not just technical skill, but also a commitment to driving positive change in the engineering field. For more information on how registration can support your professional growth, visit the Engineering Council website. 

The winners of the 2025 ETAs will be announced at a ceremony on 3 October 2025 in Manchester.

To view the full shortlist and event details, visit the ETA website.