Celebrating excellence among future engineers as HETA heaps praise on Humber’s emerging workforce

The 2025 winners, with Toby Overy, right. Who will be crowned in 2026?

THE organisation, approaching 60 years of industry support in the region, will put those taking their first steps towards fulfilling careers at the fore when it brings its three dedicated centres together for its annual awards. Held for the first time last year, the event unifies its operations in Hull, Grimsby and Scunthorpe, giving partners, employers and apprentices the platform to underline pride in performance.

Nominations are now being sought from employers in the build-up to the 2026 celebration, set to be held at Village Hotel, Hull in April.

Iain Elliott, chief executive of HETA, said: “We’re very proud of the role we play in equipping employers with some of the best new talent entering the industry, while ensuring our apprentices receive the support and guidance they need to fulfil that potential and create really bright futures for themselves.

“Celebrating success is an excellent way for us to underline all that has been achieved, both in terms of technical know-how and softer skills required to thrive. Success requires commitment from all parties, and it is a privilege to bring all elements together to highlight this.”

HETA was founded in Hull in 1967 as an employer-led organisation with a single mission – to develop the next generation of engineering talent. It now produces around 250 work-ready learners annually, preparing them to enter some of the UK’s most vital industries, from food production and renewable energy to advanced manufacturing, chemical processing and the critical wider engineering pool.

Last year saw a record cohort emerge into industry from the new Grimsby centre, a £5.5 million investment at Pioneer Park, Stallingborough, opened in 2023.

The 2025 inaugural event saw 11 accolades presented, with all engineering disciplines covered, as well as recognition for mentors and the contributions from SMEs and large employers alike.

Toby Overy, now a third year metal fabrication apprentice, is with Grimsby-based ship repairer CCL Fleet Management. He won the HETA Special Recognition Award back in April.

“I was really proud to receive it, and it has really given me the motivation to carry on doing well,” he said, on a break from a job in Cardiff, South Wales. “I’m learning all the time, my responsibilities are increasing and it is all going as I’d planned. I cannot fault HETA for all the support I got, both with my coursework and the practical work, and all the staff are spot on.”

Employers can nominate any learners undertaking apprenticeships, HN programmes or those who have completed their end-point assessment within the past six months, ahead of the deadline of January 31.

Sponsorship opportunities are available as HETA, a not-for-profit charity, aims to make it a free and inclusive event for all.

For more information visit heta.co.uk or email charlotte.hogben@heta.co.uk