A Warrington-based engineer has been recognised at a ceremony honouring the best engineering construction talent.

Mechanical engineer Toby Highstead was named Graduate of the Year at the 12th annual ECI Training and Development Awards.

The event, organised by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), celebrated excellence in training and development, bringing together industry leaders and rising stars.

Mr Highstead, 24, joined Jacobs in September 2022 and spent two years as a graduate mechanical engineer working on the nuclear decommissioning sector in the north of Scotland.

He is now working at Amentum in Warrington after Jacobs merged with the company.

His technical prowess, innovative problem-solving, leadership, and dedication to community and environmental stewardship impressed the judges.

The award submission highlighted his contributions and his ability to leverage technology, which has strengthened client relations and enhanced project efficiency and accuracy.

This includes his use of AI and creation of a custom code using ChatGPT.

Mr Highstead said: "I was told when I was younger that I would never become an engineer, so I am over the moon to have been recognised for what I have achieved.

"I always enjoyed STEM subjects when I was at school, I was into science and maths.

"I remember my Year 4 teacher pulling my parents to one side at a parents' evening and saying I had a talent.

"I hope he would be proud of me now.

"This is only the start of my career.

"I can only see it going further from here.

"Winning means a lot to me.

"It shows the passion I have for this industry."

The awards ceremony, held at One Marylebone, recognised standout individuals, companies, and training providers in nine categories.

The judging panel, comprising industry experts, selected the winners based on their significant contributions to the ECI and their own organisations.

The event's theme was change, with ECITB chief executive Andrew Hockey highlighting the industry's role in realising the country's net zero goals.

He said: "The ECITB, as the industry’s employer-led training board, stands at the heart of these changes to support the skills needs of the workforce.

"With our collective desire, endeavour and expertise, exemplified by the exceptional talent gathered at the awards, we can tackle the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities to ensure our industry is well-placed for the future."

The ECI Training and Development Awards 2024 were held at One Marylebone (Image: Supplied) Mr Hockey praised the high standard of this year's nominees, showcasing the great things happening in training and development across the industry.

He said: "I would like to thank our judges and congratulate all the winners and finalists who are great examples of excellence in our industry."

Lynda Armstrong OBE, chair of the ECITB Board, also congratulated those honoured and thanked the event's sponsors.

She said: "The event is an opportunity to celebrate the best of the best within our industry.

"The individuals and organisations nominated exemplify the talent, innovation and endeavour that our industry needs.

"They remind us to continuously strive to raise the bar for excellence in training and development.

"And in this ever-evolving world, the importance of their contributions is clearer than ever."

The evening's drinks and entertainment were sponsored by Bechtel and Kingsfield Academy respectively, while the dinner was sponsored by Hinkley Point C.

Philippa Burt, HR director at Hinkley Point C, said: "Hinkley Point C is a catalyst for long-term growth in the engineering construction industry and will leave a legacy of a more skilled and productive workforce that gives the region, and the wider UK, a competitive edge as it delivers the UK’s ambitions for energy security and net zero.

"The huge team involved in building the power station understand the critical importance of training and development and we are delighted to play a small part in shining a spotlight on the outstanding work taking place in the sector by attendees at the awards."