Dennis Eagle cleans up with double triumph in MGTS Apprentice Awards

Two prestigious awards recognising excellence in apprenticeships across the Midlands have been won by Dennis Eagle and one of its apprentices.

Advanced Graduate Apprentice of the Year, Sean Williams

Alongside winners from PepsiCo, Morrisons, Warburtons and Carlsberg, Dennis Eagle received the prestigious Employer Recognition Award from educational charity Midland Group Training Services (MGTS) for its outstanding contributions to engineering apprenticeships. Adding to the celebration, the Warwick firm’s Sean Williams was named MGTS’ Advanced Graduate Apprentice of the Year.

“For those who are considering an apprenticeship, the experience of learning in a classroom while doing practical on-the-job work will be a good foundation for work experience and provide good opportunities that normal employees might not get during their first few years of working at a company,” says Sean Williams. “I enjoyed the wide variety of work as well as the range of responsibilities I was given.”

For more than 30 years, Dennis Eagle has worked with MGTS to provide exceptional apprenticeship opportunities. Over 50 engineering apprentices have received training through the partnership with many going on to achieve senior roles within the truck manufacturer’s business, exemplifying the long-term career opportunities available.

“I am looking forward to being a full-time employee of Dennis Eagle and the opportunities that come with that position such as the option of doing a university degree,” adds Williams.

Sean Williams’ four-year apprenticeship involved extensive hands-on engineering experience before moving into design, building knowledge and relationships as he progressed. Whilst working on the next generation of refuse collection vehicles, he also achieved a distinction in his BTEC Level 3 and a Merit in his HNC Level 4 diplomas.

“Sean embodies the spirit of hard work and growth that apprenticeships aim to foster,” says MGTS’ Training and Development Advisor, Luke Bennett. “His achievements and professionalism serve as an inspiration to aspiring engineers.”

Sean’s proactive and mature approach plus his people skills, earned him a strong reputation at Dennis Eagle. “Sean is fully committed to both the theoretical and practical parts of an apprenticeship, his willingness to listen and respond to feedback only accelerated his progression,” adds Tim Reynolds, Dennis Eagle’s, Body Team Leader and William's Manager. “Talented people like Sean are the future of our business and this award is truly deserved.”

Dennis Eagle's long-term support for apprenticeships saw it also scoop the Employer Recognition Award from MGTS. Dennis Eagle’s dedication to apprenticeships is a testament to its commitment to engineering excellence and talent development. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership,” adds Bennett.

From left to right: Connor Weastell, Production Engineering Manager, Jenni Adama, Learning & Development Business Partner, and Neil Peters, Engineering Manager (Harness Design Lead), received the Employer Recognition Award on behalf of the Company.

As the sole UK manufacturer of HGV refuse collection vehicles, it’s vital that we continue to develop young talent with the skills we need today and into the future,” adds Connor Weastell, Production Engineering Manager. “We are committed to training engineers who will help us maintain our leadership in introducing new technologies and processes. It’s an exciting time, and we encourage students enthusiastic about shaping the future to apply for our apprenticeship programmes.”