News: Tata employees shortlisted for Young Manufacturer of the Year award

Two employees from Tata Steel's speciality steels business in Rotherham have been shortlisted for national awards.

Thomas Woods, an NDT technician, and Rush Garfitt, a technical metallurgy apprentice, have both been shortlisted for the Young Manufacturer of the Year award by trade magazine, The Manufacturer.

The Manufacturer of the Year awards are designed to recognise the world class levels of manufacturing excellence being achieved in Britain's finest factories. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on November 9.

Mick Hood, HR director for Tata Steel's speciality steels business, said: "These talented young employees are the future of our business and it is a testament to their hard work and diligence that they have been recognised for their work.

"These are national competitions, with entries from some of the best apprentices and young manufacturers in the country.

"It is already a terrific achievement to get as far as they have and we wish them the very best of luck with the rest of the competition."

Rush added: "Having completed my first year of college I decided I wanted to apply for a Technical apprenticeship with Tata Steel as it is a company with a good reputation worldwide.

"I really enjoy working here and the people I work with are really friendly and helpful.

"Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award came as a big surprise. It is a great achievement to get as far as I have but I am determined to keep working hard to get as far as I can in the competition."

Rush has also been shortlisted for the EEF First Year Apprentice of the Year award. He has made it to the top five in the Northern final, and will attend a presentation evening on November 15. The winner will then go on to compete in the national finals.

Following a large restructure which saw the loss of 1,000 local jobs in 2009, the steelmaker announced plans to recruit 154 new workers for its South Yorkshire manufacturing operations and the resumption of apprentice and graduate recruitment in July 2010. 21 new graduates and apprentices started work in South Yorkshire last month.

Tata Steel website

Images: Tata Steel