Finalists for the ‘Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence’ Maintenance Apprentice of the Year Award

Bobby Kendrick – Hedley Hydraulics

Bobby Kendrick – Hedley Hydraulics
My working day as an apprentice hydraulic maintenance engineer sees me dealing with several different activities, from maintaining and servicing a wide range of hydraulic equipment to visiting UK-wide sites diagnosing breakdowns, as well as the installation of hydraulic units and equipment.

I have been taught by some great tutors while learning at the AMRC Training Centre’s top-class facilities, that is one highlight of my time there. Another would be meeting new friends, which always eases any new journey that one can undertake.

I would love to work towards becoming a multi-skilled engineer; and in the future I would like to work with the design department as I have always been really interested in the process of designing something from scratch that can make a difference to people’s lives.


Joshua Keyworth – Pryor Marking Technology

Joshua Keyworth – Pryor Marking Technology
My role as an apprentice mechanical maintenance and special machine tools technician means I am responsible for manufacturing a variety of products, ranging from new concepts to repairing machinery more than 100-years-old. This includes maintenance tasks but also assembly, wiring and testing of new design-to-order machinery which are one-of-a-kind products suited to a customer’s needs.

My best time at the AMRC Training Centre has been while working in the Mechanical Maintenance department as I enjoyed learning new skills. But what I most value is my time spent getting to know new people and beginning life-long friendships with my peers.

In three years’ time I would like to complete my HNC and within the next five years my aim is to be a Field Service Engineer within Pryor Marking Technology. In ten-plus years’ time, I would like to have a team leader role with apprentices who I can mentor myself.


Mary Stickland – Pryor Marking Technology

Mary Stickland – Pryor Marking Technology
As an apprentice mechanical maintenance and specialist tool technician, my job comprises maintenance and production mechanical engineering. For the maintenance role, I diagnose and solve problems, suggesting and implementing improvements. I’ve already implemented a new planned maintenance system. The production element involves the building of Pryor’s standard range of marking machines. I am also working towards making some of our design-to-order products.

I have many highlights from my time at the training centre: being a representative and spokesperson for the centre and apprentices; learning from tutors who have been in the engineering field and gaining from their knowledge and experience; and developing confidence to enter a male-dominated environment. Winning the Siddall Achievement Award at last year’s ceremony is a personal highlight.