WEC Apprentice Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and 20 years of engineering careers
WEC Group celebrated the achievements of its current and former apprentices on Friday 16th October at the WEC Apprentice Awards 2026, Ewood Park, Blackburn, marking 20 years of the WEC Engineering Academy and recognising the people who have helped shape its success.
BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Graham Liver joined apprentices, graduates, families and colleagues for the celebration, alongside the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen. The evening recognised outstanding engineering skills, commitment and career progression, with special presentations to Academy Manager Kris Mercer and WEC Group Managing Director Steve Hartley.
To mark the anniversary, most award categories were opened to both current and former apprentices, celebrating achievements from across the Academy’s history. Since its launch in 2006, more than 430 apprentices have trained through the Academy, with many progressing into skilled engineering, management and training roles.
Four awards recognising dedication, learning and technical excellence were presented on the night: the Commitment Award, Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Machining Excellence Award and Steve Hartley Welding Excellence Award.
The evening’s highest honour, the 20th Anniversary Apprentice Award, went to Andy Wain, who joined WEC as an apprentice during the Academy’s very first year and has since progressed to Shopfloor Manager.
Andy was recognised for his contribution to the business and his work supporting apprentices to develop their skills and confidence. His career has included involvement in major installations for Airbus in Hamburg, Rolls-Royce in Derby and the stainless steel road bridge at Pooley Bridge.
Runner-up Phil Hosey was recognised for a career that has come full circle. Having joined WEC as an apprentice in 2012, Phil went on to become a Welding Instructor at the Academy and recently qualified as a lecturer. He now uses his own experience to train and mentor the next generation.
The evening also celebrated apprentices who had successfully completed their first year, alongside eight graduates who had completed their apprenticeships. These milestones highlighted the progress of the next generation of skilled engineers and the opportunities available to build long-term careers within the Group.
Addressing guests, Gemma Kennedy, WEC Group’s Head of HR, said:
“We’re not just celebrating our current apprentices, but everyone who has been part of the Academy’s journey over the last 20 years. This is what 20 years of investing in people looks like. Every person standing here tonight represents a career that has been started, developed or progressed by our Academy.”
Kris was also recognised for being named North West Regional Skills Champion of the Year at the 2026 National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards.
Steve Hartley was presented with a bespoke machined sculpture representing the Academy, recognising his vision and continued investment in apprenticeship training. The presentation was made by Pete Roberts, Steve’s own first mentor and trainer, providing a fitting connection between his beginnings as an apprentice and the opportunities he has since created for others.
Established to address a shortage of skilled engineers, the WEC Engineering Academy now supports 117 apprentices across 10 UK sites and has achieved a 100% pass rate for Welding End-Point Assessments. Training combines practical workshop experience, classroom learning and mentoring, helping apprentices build the skills and confidence needed for long-term careers in manufacturing.
The anniversary awards demonstrated the lasting impact of that investment, from apprentices taking their first steps in engineering to former trainees now leading teams and passing on their knowledge.
Browse photos from the Awards Evening below
