Third edition of Northern Centre award given to engineer with bright future.
An exceptional engineer in the early stages of his career, Thomas George Hinds, won the Northern Centre Young Engineer of the Year at a ceremony in February.
Thomas (pictured above), who works at Preston-based H. Parkinson Haulage, won the judges favour after his employer sent proof that he would be a deserving winner, with his dedicated approach to education and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
It added that he had completed several courses of further education linked to his profession and had a near faultless employment history. It was this, alongside his outstanding technical ability in the workshop, that clinched first place for Thomas.
Thomas received a trophy from the Hon. Chairman Andrew Marshall along with £100 of Halford’s vouchers. The other three finalists, Ashley Wunderley (pictured above left) of Thomas Hardie Commercials, Kieron Williams-Denton (pictured below right) of Preston Scania, and Jake Cowburn (pictured above right) of Gilbraith Logistics in Blackburn, were all rewarded for their efforts with Halford’s gift vouchers, presented to them by long standing centre members and former officers John Taylor, Terry Graham and Peter Embrey.
SOE President and IRTE Northern Centre member Michael Sweetmore said: “It is important that our young engineers are encouraged and assisted in their development. This award, now in its third year, encourages employers to recognise and promote the talent and enthusiasm of their young members of staff and it also acknowledges personal achievement.”
Northern Centre Hon. Secretary Corneilius Mitchell conducted the ceremony, held at The Barton Grange Hotel in Preston.
At the same event, the audience showed their appreciation for past long-standing members of the Northern Centre, who have stepped down from their roles on the committee.
Tom Hastewell (pictured above left) was presented with an engraved glass commemorative plaque by Andrew Marshall. Due to health issues, Past Chairman Peter Wells (pictured left) was unable to attend the event, but a fitting tribute was given to him by Head of IRTE Services Chris Grime (pictured below right), who accepted Peter’s award in his absence.
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