The leading engineering training provider in the Yorkshire and Humber region
Budding Humber engineers celebrated with leadership and professionalism at the core
Apprenticeship excellence has been celebrated across the Humber as a leading training organisation toasted the best of its latest cohorts.
HETA, responsible for helping launch engineering careers in Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, held its 2026 awards bash, acknowledging seven special learners and the vital support network behind them.
Chief executive Iain Elliott said it was “genuinely wonderful to see so many people celebrating together,” underlining the importance of recognising hard work, commitment and the determination of the young adults throughout their journey with HETA.
“Events like this are incredibly important,” he said, with a 60th anniversary of delivery looming large in 2027. “Our learners arrive with little knowledge of their chosen trade, and through commitment, effort and support thy develop into skilled, capable professionals, vital components of our regional and national industrial base.”
Apprentices, their families, employers and sponsors gathered at The Village Hotel in Hull, for the occasion, with HETA trustees, led by chair Ian Palmer, also present.
Former business journalist and Hull-based Fred Marketing director Dave Laister hosted, underlining the importance of early career choices and how “the world – or even the universe now, is their oyster,” citing the opportunities offered by the multi-billion pound pipeline of decarbonisation projects planned for the Humber and the recent Artemis II space voyage. Inspiring citations from individual employers were then read out ahead of cut-glass awards being presented.
Toby Overy made it a second successive year of success as he took the Fabrication and Welding Award back to Grimsby.
The 19-year-old is about to complete his end point assessment with CCL Fleet Management, based on Port of Grimsby East. They recognised his “exceptional technical skill, unwavering dedication, and a level of professionalism well beyond his years”.
He said: “It really meant a lot seeing the hard work recognised. HETA has been so supportive throughout the apprenticeship, not just through the first year, and the team that goes out to employer sites has been really good.”
22-year-old Finlay Bindoff, who is just completing his apprenticeship with Hull-founded Reckitt won the Special Recognition Award. Judges heard how he was the first apprentice in the global giant’s controls department.
The former Kelvin Hall and Wyke College student said: “It was great recognition of hard work. I have been very self motivated to work, and motivated to go as far as I can with my education.”
It was an excellent night for AB Graphic International, with an apprentice win and the Inspire Award for the Bridlington-headquartered digital print specialist. That followed consistent work supporting school campaigns and empowering female-focused engineering initiatives.
Karen Robinson, head of HR at A B Graphic International, said: “Supporting HETA is important to us because it helps develop the next generation of talent. We invest in apprenticeships as a practical and proven way to build skills and create clear pathways into engineering.
“Seeing one of our apprentices named Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year is a great result, and underlines the impact of that investment. Winning the Inspire Award is just as meaningful, recognising our work to encourage more women into engineering and STEM careers, and to help broaden access to the sector. We remain focused on creating opportunities and supporting the next generation from an early stage.”
And Daifuku Logan’s long-term commitment was recognised with the Employer Contribution accolade. Simon Marshall, HR manager at the Hull firm, said: “Daifuku Airport UK Ltd is delighted to have received HETA’s Employer Contribution Award 2026, which is especially welcome as we celebrate our 70th anniversary this year.
“Our commitment to apprenticeships has remained undiminished, and we have seen many of those who joined us, develop their careers in numerous ways, some progressing into management roles, others joining other parts of the Daifuku Group or quite simply being the best at what they do. This award represents all their achievements however great or small. We are exceptionally proud to have been the facilitator that has allowed them to do it.”
2026 Roll of Honour
Fabrication and Welding Apprentice, sponsored by St Gobain Glass: Toby Overy, CCL Fleet Management, Grimsby.
Electrical Apprentice: Caitlin Edmondson, Guardian Industries, Goole.
Manufacturing Apprentice: Joshua Davey, AB Graphic International, Bridlington.
Technical Services Apprentice, sponsored by AB Graphic International: Alex Charlesworth, LSTC, Driffield.
Maintenance Apprentice, sponsored by NOCN: Ben Goodwin, ABP Immingham Container Terminal.
Special Recognition Award: Finlay Bindoff, Reckitt, Hull.
Employer Mentor of the Year, sponsored by Apprentice Employment Agency: James Daniels, ABP, Immingham.
Employer Contribution: Daifuku Logan, Ltd, Hull.
Inspire Award, sponsored by StartingPoint: AB Graphic International, Bridlington.