Manufacturing apprentice from Technoset reaches national awards final

Technoset Ltd apprentice Tyler Gillespie is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award.

Tyler (18) has been named Lloyds Bank SME Apprentice of the Year award after excelling in his role with Rugby-based manufacturer Technoset Ltd, which specialises in precision engineering.

Since joining the team in April 2021, Tyler has impressed with his commitment to going above and beyond.

Alongside his responsibilities in the inspection department, he has helped improve on-site efficiency and taken new apprentices under his wing, supporting them in their new roles.

The judges were also wowed by how Tyler balanced his work with his studies at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, where he is working towards becoming a Level 4 engineering technician in product design development.

Tyler said: “I have loved my apprenticeship with Technoset – it has been a fantastic way to start my career and begin learning skills that will set me up for life.

"My confidence has already grown massively, and I’m in an environment where I can learn every day and really feel like I’m making a difference to the business. I’m excited for what comes next in my journey.”

Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby and Bulkington, visited Technoset to meet Tyler, and find out more about his achievements during his apprenticeship and how his role is set to develop.

The MP said: The Midlands is renowned as a manufacturing and engineering powerhouse and nurturing the next generation of talent is key to helping us remain a UK leader in these sectors.

"Tyler’s achievements are truly outstanding and he is an excellent role model and ambassador who is helping to change the perception of manufacturing and highlight the exciting work and great career opportunities the sector can offer young people across the region.”

Lloyds Bank works with the Manufacturing Technology Centre and businesses across the UK to connect manufacturers like Technoset with apprentices. It has committed to providing £10 million of sponsorship over 10 years to support young people into skilled careers, with 146 different training courses on offer.

Jo Harris, Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador for the Midlands, said: “We know how important it is for businesses to find the best talent – almost half of West Midlands firms said investing in staff was key to growth over the coming months in our recent Lloyds Bank Business Barometer survey.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to introduce new skills and futureproof business growth and we’ll continue to work with the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre and local firms to help provide more apprenticeship opportunities in the region.

"To date, we’ve helped to train around 700 apprentices, providing knowledge, skills and support to the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent that will help to secure the sector’s future.

"Tyler being recognised with this award is testament to his hard work and the success of this programme.”

During the visit, Technoset also showcased its recent investments in new technologies, which have expanded their capability in multi axis machining and advanced measurement techniques.

Supported by Lloyds Bank and Regional Development Agencies, Technoset has now been able to implement the first phase of its Digitalisation Roadmap, introducing new production control and quality systems to the machine shop floor, as well as more automation systems to enable around-the-clock production.