Winner: Charlotte Maxwell, REACT Engineering

Sponsored by David Allen

“Trailblazing” apprentice Charlotte Maxwell, 21, was recognised for all her hard work for REACT engineering by being named Apprentice of the Year.
Charlotte was REACT’s first project management apprentice and joined the company in 2020.
The company says she has been a real “trailblazer”, working across different parts of the business and injecting new life into the work it does.
For her first project Charlotte accepted the ambitious task of renovating REACT’s offices, creating an inviting workspace to entice staff back into the office post-Covid while providing an enjoyable experience for clients and visitors, a fundamental part of its recovery plan after the pandemic.
REACT say she has gone over and above the expectation of an apprentice, demonstrating competency and a high level of skills, building client confidence and contributing directly to business growth. She is also happy to lead on projects in a competent and diligent manner when required.
Alongside studying and working, she has dedicated significant time volunteering for the REACT Foundation. She also supports the ‘ICanToo Programme’, an innovative programme working with up to 40, 14 to15-year-olds each year from across West Cumbria, to raise aspirations and open their eyes to opportunities.
Charlotte said: “I didn’t expect it at all, I feel amazing.
“I was REACT’s first apprentice and to be named Apprentice of the Year after we’ve had three or four other apprentices is incredible.
“It’s the nature of REACT that they trust you how to deal with things and they trust you to cope with things and if you don’t know how to do it then they will help you and guide you through it.”

Runners up:

James Middleton, 1818 Auctioneers  

Deniss Fridenbergs, Brian Horn