8th June 2023
Last night, the prestigious Manufacturer Top 100 Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals within the manufacturing industry.
Among the 100 remarkable talents recognised was our very own Sophie Young, Apprentice Electrical Engineer. Sophie’s outstanding accomplishments and dedication to her craft were acknowledged with this well-deserved accolade. Let’s take a closer look at her significant achievements, and the memorable evening that unfolded.
The Manufacturer Top 100 Awards serve as a platform to honour individuals who have demonstrated innovation, leadership, and exceptional skills in their respective roles within seven distinct categories: Digital Transformer, Innovator, Inspiring Leader, Net Zero Hero, Sector Activist, Unsung Hero, and Young Pioneer.
Sophie was named in the Young Pioneer category, which recognises people who have made an impact disproportionate to their years, providing inspiration for the future of manufacturing in the UK.
Sophie Young’s impact on the shopfloor, and in industry as a whole, has been simply inspirational in her first eighteen months.
The electrical apprentice has delivered a £1m+ new product introduction process that has seen her work with the NPI team to eliminate faults and develop a product that now takes one less hour to build and is being ramped up to 400 units this year.
Her benefit to PP C&A does not stop at delivering manufacturing improvements, instead her desire to lead has seen her become the company’s youngest Wellbeing Champion, offering support to colleagues, and working through issues raised by staff.
A passionate STEM advocate, Sophie has also become an inspiration to the next generation of engineers, encouraging young people to consider a career in industry through best-practice talks, appearances at career fairs and through a digital campaign organised by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology. Furthermore, she has championed the role of women in engineering by appearing on a live discussion panel for International Women in Engineering Day and presenting the important historical role of women in engineering at local schools.
Last night’s ceremony was one to remember for all those in attendance. The evening was filled with excitement, anticipation, and a palpable sense of pride.
Distinguished leaders, skilled engineers, and those propelled by a deep purpose to champion industry and drive it forward all came together to celebrate individual success and collectively, illustrate a catalyst for change.
In words borrowed from the evening’s publication and profiling of all 100 manufacturers:
“They are the driving force behind the country’s manufacturing renaissance, and to understand their journeys is to understand why it is truly exciting to be manufacturing in Britain today.”
Now as a recognised young pioneer in the top 100, Sophie has pledged to continue to share her story, be an active member of the community and STEM ambassador, and further build relationships through active outreach with local schools to promote engineering at a grassroots level.
Sophie has set an inspiring example for aspiring engineers and women in engineering. The whole team at PP Control & Automation would like to congratulate Sophie on this well-deserved accolade and eagerly anticipate the continued impact she will make in her career and the broader manufacturing community.
And shortlisted for the ‘Rising Star’ category with EMA, there could be more awards for the trophy cabinet yet. We’ll know for sure on September 13th.
Now in its 10th year, The Manufacturer Top 100 scours the length and breadth of the nation to find the 100 most dynamic leaders and innovators in manufacturing, nominated by The Manufacturer’s audience, the industrial community and judged by a panel of industry leaders, academics and manufacturing associations.
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