A YORK apprentice is in the running for a national award after scooping a regional title in recognition of his “outstanding performance”.

Will MacQuarrie, 24, from Stillingfleet, won the outstanding performance by a final year apprentice award at the EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards.

The apprentice, who works at Tadcaster-based Lambert Engineering, beat off competition from five other shortlisted apprentices in the region after impressing judges with his dedication, determination and drive.

Mr MacQuarrie, who will now go on to compete with other regional winners for the national title in April next year, said: “I’m delighted to have won this award, especially after being up against some other incredibly talented and dedicated apprentices.

“I just hope that my success so far makes other local young people think seriously about becoming an apprentice too.”

The awards event also saw J. Rotherham Group, a manufacturer of stone masonry products based in Holme-on-Spalding Moor, named a regional runner-up in the business efficiency award.

The award celebrates the achievements of manufacturers that have successfully designed and delivered new operating practices to boost productivity and business performance.

Matt Rotherham, commercial director at J. Rotherham Group, said: “This achievement is testament to our team’s hard work and we are absolutely delighted to have been recognised.”“It has put us on the map as a dynamic and innovative company, while recognising the valuable contribution made by local manufacturers. It is great to see that all our hard work has paid off and we can’t wait to tell our staff, customers and suppliers the good news.”