A YOUNG engineer has won a national award for her outstanding work in gaining an apprenticeship.

Hatti Sonley, who works for James Fisher Nuclear (JFN) on York Road Industrial Estate in Malton, was awarded the title of Nuclear Supply Chain Apprentice of the Year at a ceremony in Manchester.

The 18-year-old, who is now a production engineer with the company, won her award for the exemplary work she did in completing her apprenticeship through the training course run by James Fisher Nuclear and Derwent Training.

Hatti, who is originally from South Wales, said: “It was a brilliant night. A bit nerve-wracking, but at the same time exciting, and I’m very pleased that I won.

“I highly recommend apprenticeships to any young person who wishes to gain a high level of understanding, knowledge and skill at the same time as earning an income.”

Hatti joined JFN in September 2013 and completed her advanced modern apprenticeship this January, which included a one-day release to Derwent Training in Malton.

She worked on a number of disciplines during her apprenticeship, including planning, design and manufacturing, stainless steel welding and working on the electrical systems for Bradwell Nuclear Power Station.

Hatti also designed and made x-ray stands and a ModuMan torque tester, the new high dexterity 100kg lift capacity remote handling manipulator from JFN.

Since completing her apprenticeship, she has worked in the production planning department as a production engineer.

Barry Kneeshaw, production manager at JFN, said: “Hatti was put forward for the award due to her excellent work which is always completed with great enthusiasm.

“She constantly shows a willingness to learn and do her best by learning from the experiences JFN has been able to offer her.

“Hatti is a role model ‘Engineering Apprentice’ with a great future at James Fisher.”