Polymer Industries Apprentice of The Year Winner 2022 Announced

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) and the Worshipful Company of Horners are pleased to announce that Kaelan Hurrell of Berry has won the 2022 Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Award.

Kaelan is currently an Apprentice Toolmaker at Berry who is currently completing a Level 3 Machine and Maintenance apprenticeship course. Kaelan is responsible for tool grinding, hand bench work, manual and CNC machining. These are all skills which enable him to produce high quality mould tools for extrusion and injection stretch blown tools. He proved that he is a LEAN thinker when he provided process improvements which included material utilisation and led to savings in stock material of approximately £2000 per year. Furthermore, during the interview process, Kaelan impressed the judges with his ambition and technical skills.

Chairman of Apprentice Award Committee, Ian Paterson (of The Worshipful Company of the Horners) states:

“Kaelan is an excellent candidate and a well-deserved winner. His ambition, interpersonal and technical skills were very apparent. I congratulate him on his significant achievements.”

Kaelans manager, Berry’s Toolroom and Tuber Manager Kurt Knights, added:

“Kaelan deserves the award on merit for his relentless hard work and determination. Despite facing some significant obstacles and challenges, both at work and at home, Kaelan's positive attitude and unwavering resilience has allowed him to overcome and deliver exceptional work, every single time.”

Kaelan will be awarded a £500 cash prize, a ceremonial drinking horn and a formal invitation to Mansion House where he will receive a Certificate from the Lord Mayor of London.

This year’s runner up, Berry’s Jake Williams, will also receive a certificate and a £200 cash prize. Williams impressed the judges with his attention to detail and focus to ensure he understands all the technical aspects of his role. All the judges agreed that the standard of entrants for 2022 was outstanding and have decided on special praise should be given to this year’s Highly Commended, Joshua Clark from Reliance Worldwide Corporation.

The Polymer Industries Apprentice of the Year Award shines a spotlight on the outstanding commitment and achievements of apprentices within the polymer industry. The BPF, in conjunction with The Worshipful Company of the Horners, will re-open this competition in the near future as it begins its search for the 2023 winner.