Gareth Humphreys began his working life in 1975 as an electrical craft apprentice and has been the apprentice training manager at MBDA since 1992 where he is known as the 'father of apprentices'.
Chippendale said: “Gareth lives and breathes skills training, apprenticeships and young people's progression and swears by the saying 'the best people to promote engineering and manufacturing to young people are young people themselves'.”
He has won numerous company awards for Young People Development and in return his charges have helped MBDA to over 150 national and regional awards and 51 company awards for training and skills.
Humphreys received an MBE in 2004 for the work done to foster strong links between educational establishments, young people and engineering companies and gained an Honorary Masters Degree from Hertfordshire University in 2008.
“If a young person is going to do well you have to give them an opportunity to excel,” said Humphreys. “Engineering is on the up, we are seeing more diversity with women coming in and there is a recognition of the importance of engineering to the UK. I think there is a lot more to do such as changing mindsets with teachers, parents and even some ministers.”
Chipperdale added: “Certainly we at Semta and EAL truly value the immense contribution Gareth has made and the support he has given to us but most importantly to the young people he cares so passionately about.”