Lila-Louise set to complete apprenticeship a year early after winning prestigious award

An engineering apprentice who overcame setbacks to start a successful career has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Made in Sheffield Awards.

Lila-Louise Glossop, a junior project engineer at Wright Engineering, received the accolade in recognition of her outstanding performance, technical ability and commitment to inspiring the next generation through STEM outreach.

The judges praised Lila-Louise's achievements, which have put her on track to complete her Level 3 Technical Support apprenticeship at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre a full year early — and with a distinction.

The open evening that changed Lila-Louise’s life

The award marks a remarkable journey for Lila-Louise, whose interest in science was inspired by her engineer grandfather.

Having studied physics, maths and chemistry at A-level, she initially hoped to study an engineering course at university. But when she didn’t get the grades she needed, she found herself at a crossroads.

“I had six months out and felt a bit stuck,” she says. “Then I went to an open evening at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre and discovered apprenticeships. I applied for the Level 3 apprenticeship. It completely changed my direction.”

The apprenticeship appealed to her because it offered the opportunity to earn, learn and continue progressing academically.

“I liked the idea that I could study and have a job at the same time, then still get a degree afterwards,” she says. “At the end of this course I'll be starting a degree apprenticeship, which was always my goal.”

The power of experience

Since joining Wright Engineering in April 2024, Lila-Louise has gained hands-on experience supporting major engineering projects across the UK. Her role involves assisting project managers, managing critical documentation and liaising with clients.

Among the projects she has worked on are installations at Stansted Airport and a major contract for British Gypsum, where she encountered real-world engineering challenges that reinforced the value of workplace learning.

“You learn so much more being in the job than sitting in a classroom,” she says. “There are problems that come up on projects that you simply can't teach. You have to experience them and learn how to solve them.”

Lila-Louise credits the AMRC Training Centre with broadening her understanding of the engineering sector through practical training in automation, computer-aided design (CAD), project management, machining and business improvement.

“It showed me that engineering isn't just one thing,” she says. "There are so many different pathways. I especially enjoyed the automation training, where we manually coded robots.”

From shyness to the stage

Alongside this technical development, the apprenticeship has helped build Lila-Louise’s confidence. Despite being early in her career, she regularly communicates with clients and has taken on significant responsibilities.

“A few years ago I had really bad social anxiety,” she says. “This job has given me so much confidence.”

That confidence was put to the test when she attended the Made in Sheffield Awards ceremony. Surrounded by fellow finalists, many studying at degree level, she did not expect to be announced as the winner.

“When they said my name, I just froze,” she says. “I was completely shocked. Two years ago I wouldn't have been able to stand up on a stage and accept an award, but I did it. I’m proud of myself.”

Inspiring the next generation

Beyond her day-to-day role, Lila-Louise is also helping to inspire future engineers as one of five AMRC Training Centre STEM Champions. She regularly visits schools and careers events to promote apprenticeships and challenge misconceptions about vocational routes into engineering.

“I don't think apprenticeships get enough publicity in schools,” she says. “There's often a big push towards university, but apprenticeships offer amazing opportunities. I like inspiring people because I didn't know enough about apprenticeships when I was 18.”

A bright future

Lila-Louise’s success has already accelerated her career. After impressing both her workplace coach and employer, she has been approved to begin a degree apprenticeship a year ahead of schedule — starting this September, while continuing to work at Wright Engineering.

“My workplace coach said the work I was producing was above Level 3 standard and encouraged me to move on to the degree programme sooner,” she says.

Looking ahead, Lila-Louise has ambitious plans. Her long-term goal is to become a chartered engineer before the age of 30. 

“An apprenticeship is a great way to do that because by the time I complete my degree and master's qualification, I'll already have years of industry experience behind me,” she says. 

“An apprenticeship gives you real experience, qualifications and confidence all at the same time. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made.”