CAREERS AND AWARDS
OP WINS TOP APPRENTICE AWARD
OP Ben Wright( 15-22) has been recognised for his outstanding achievements as an apprentice welder with two prestigious awards.
Ben was a finalist at the esteemed Merchant Adventurers’ Apprenticeship Awards held in York in October 2024 and also won the award for the most exceptional young person in STEM at a Scarborough Business Ambassadors event during the same month, as part of Scarborough Science and Engineering Week.
After completing his GCSEs at Pocklington, Ben chose to pursue a career in welding, specialising in TIG( Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. His passion for welding stemmed from doing a work placement as part of his course at Bishop Burton College.
Ben decided to leave the College after a year and armed with his CV and photos of a recent project, he visited several metalwork companies and introduced himself. Impressed by his skills and initiative, a local company offered him a three-year apprenticeship in conjunction with Derwent Training Association in Malton. Ben has flourished in this role, as evidenced by his recent awards.
Ben’ s employer praised his dedication, stating:“ From his first day in the business, Ben has shown an insatiable appetite for learning and development, always challenging himself with new tasks. He quickly mastered TIG welding and within a couple of weeks, he was manufacturing basic items for live jobs.”
“ As the weeks and months progressed, Ben continued to improve, tackling increasingly complex projects. Currently, he is expanding his skills by learning the polishing and finishing processes, as well as the cutting and folding of sheet metal components. Ben’ s journey with us has been nothing short of impressive. His enthusiasm, dedication, and skills have made him an asset to our team, and I am confident that he will continue to excel in his career.”
On receiving his awards, Ben commented:“ I feel humbled and honoured that my work has been recognised in this way. I really enjoy welding especially the hands-on and technical aspects of the job. I’ ve learnt so much in a short space of time. It’ s great to feel I am progressing. I’ m grateful to my employer for giving me the chance and to Derwent Training Association for supporting me with my apprenticeship.”
Ben’ s achievements are a testament to his hard work and passion for his craft, setting a shining example for aspiring apprentices in the STEM fields.
MILLIE NAMED RISING STAR AT MARITIME UK AWARDS 2025
Millie Barnes( 09-18) has been recognised as a Rising Star at the Maritime UK Awards 2025, held on 26 June aboard a DFDS vessel in the Port of Dover.
With 95 % of the UK’ s global trade dependent on maritime routes and the sector supporting over 1.1 million jobs, the award highlights Millie’ s contributions to a vital and fast-paced industry.
As an Assistant Operations Manager at Associated British Ports( ABP) in Newport, Millie plays an important role in supporting UK trade, with a strong focus on safety and sustainable energy. The award also marks a milestone in her career progression from the ABP graduate scheme to a key operational role.
Millie said:“ A massive thank you to my colleagues and mentors at ABP for all their support throughout the graduate programme and into my new full-time role. I’ m excited for what lies ahead!”
SOPHIE’ S SWEET-SMELLING SUCCESS
Sophie Tempest( née Tregellis, 07-09) has come a long way since her entrepreneurial school days when she handcrafted natural homemade dog treats to sell at fairs across Yorkshire. Growing her confidence and business acumen over the years, she is now the founder of Rosy Roo, a new brand of luxury car diffusers.
Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Rosy, Sophie started Rosy Roo from home, creating a high-quality range of diffusers in five distinctive scents. In just a short time, her products have found their way into over 300 UK retailers including several in the Yorkshire and East Riding area.
Sophie commented:“ Running the business gives me a true sense of joy and accomplishment. I am passionate about our products and our customers; it’ s been an incredible journey so far and I’ m excited to see what the future holds.”
Sophie regularly shares her journey and products on Instagram @ rosyroodorset and showcased the brand at the Harrogate Giving & Living Show in July 2025.
She has also applied for the Gift of the Year awards which are the annual awards for the gifting sector. Visit the website for more information and details of the full product range www. rosyroo. co. uk.
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