Kirbi Taylor, an apprentice at Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd, is the winner of the Rotherham Apprentice of the Year Award for the ‘Intermediate’ category, beating off competition from over 50 applicants from a variety of industries. In addition, Taylor is also shortlisted as a finalist in the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre’s Apprentice of the Year awards and has already won the centre’s ‘Spotlight’ award for the best in cohort last year.

With a lifelong interest in engineering – and inspired by her grandfather’s previous success in the industry – Taylor decided to pursue a career in engineering by undertaking an apprenticeship in mechatronic maintenance with Nikken and the AMRC Training Centre, which is part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. The award recognises her exceptional contribution and commitment to Nikken, as judged by a panel of experts from within the Barnsley and Rotherham business sector.

Nikken service manager Mark Timmons says: “Kirbi is a breath of fresh air: friendly, confident and greets everyone with a smile. She is eager to learn and gets involved with as many areas of the business as possible. We have three apprentices in the service department who have all excelled in their careers. They are fundamental to the future of Nikken and engineering. I look forward to watching the progression of Kirbi, and our other apprentices, as they take on more responsibilities and challenges.”

Nikki Jones, director at the AMRC Training Centre, adds: “It comes as no surprise to us that Kirbi has received recognition for her efforts and achievements as an apprentice engineer. Since joining the AMRC Training Centre with Nikken, she has shown true dedication and commitment to the engineering apprenticeship programme, and seized every opportunity with passion and vigour.”

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