Stephen Pickles: Apprentice of the Year

Stephen Pickles was a hands-on learner in school and always enjoyed working on projects at home. He knew he didn’t want to stay in full time classroom education and set his sights on an engineering career.

At 16 he was offered an apprenticeship with global engineering company Renishaw, which is involved in measurement, motion control, healthcare, spectroscopy and manufacturing. The company employs more than 2,800 people in the UK.

Stephen, 19, has achieved a HNC in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering with grade distinction, an NVQ level 3 commissioning qualification through the University of South Wales, which was achieved in half of the allocated time. He plans to progress to full HND and Diploma in Manufacturing and Mechanical engineering.

Stephen, who lives in Llanrumney, is now in his final ‘Improver’ year at Renishaw. He has completed nine projects all with technical folders and successful results - the first time an apprentice has achieved this on the Miskin site.

He exceeded everyone’s expectations when, at the age of 16, he completed his first project, one that university graduates had failed to complete in the timeframe. He is currently working in the Assembly Development Group where he helps to apply engineering changes to Renishaw’s advanced metal additive manufacturing machines.