UK DOCKS’ apprentice Lewis Wilson is one of an elite group of students to be recognised with a national Edge Award celebrating the quality of his work.
He was one of only 17 students chosen out of more than 1,000 studying at Gateshead College nationwide across all courses to receive the prized certificates.
Lewis, who turns 20 in March, has now completed his three-year course to qualify as an Engineer and Technician.
He was putting his new skills to the test within days of winning his award, flying out to the Falkland Islands to complete a week’s worth of support work on the Royal Navy ship HMS Forth on behalf of UK Docks.
Apprentices for the 2024 Edge Awards were picked from a wide range of curriculum areas including business, digital tech, catering, construction, hairdressing and automotive but Lewis was the only engineer selected.
He was nominated by educator Muhsin Jamaar who said: “Lewis exhibited remarkable technical proficiency throughout his apprenticeship.
“He mastered the foundation engineering skills expected at this level and consistently displayed an eagerness to delve into advanced concepts and applications.
“One of Lewis’s standout qualities is his ability to work seamlessly within a team.
"I have witnessed this at his workplace when he was part of a team preparing a ship for sea trial - Lewis displayed exceptional leadership potential by taking the lead to mentor his fellow apprentices.
“He has shown that he is someone with the capability to assume leadership roles in the future.
“Throughout the apprenticeship, Lewis exhibited a high level of professionalism, reliability and a strong work ethic.
“He consistently met project deadlines, adhered to industry standards and maintained a level of professionalism that earned him the respect of both peers and supervisors.
“Where needed, Lewis attended college during his holidays to complete any work.
“In summary, Lewis has been an exceptional apprentice who has consistently demonstrated a high level of technical proficiency, teamwork and professionalism. I am confident that Lewis will continue to excel in his career and make significant contributions to the field of engineering.”
David Alexander, Principal at the College, said: “Our Edge Awards for Apprenticeships are a highlight of my year.
“It’s good to be able to showcase the fantastic work being done by our apprentices and employers and we had a great time presenting our Edge awards and surprising the winners in their workplace.
“The standard of nominations was very high and everyone who received an award should be proud of their achievements."
Gateshead College trains more than 1,000 apprentices many of them in the North East but also throughout the UK including in London and Manchester.
UK Docks was founded by Lewis’s grandfather Harry Wilson and the young engineer’s ambition is to build a successful career in the family firm.
Pic caption: Keeping it in the family - Lewis Wilson shows his prestigious Edge Award certificate to UK Docks' director Gary Wilson.