Leoanne Towsey, 23, joined Hotchkiss when she was 16.

Working through the award-winning apprenticeship scheme at the ductwork contractor, based in Hampden Park, she has now become an award-winning project manager.

She said, "It's great to have won a national award for the job I had always dreamed of doing. There is a long history of engineering in my family and I had watched mum and dad in their jobs and just knew when I left school I wanted a career in the design side."

Leoanne was presented with the Alfred Manley Management Award following an interview with the Summit Skills Panel of judges. She was announced the winner at the presentation ceremony at the British Library in London on April 2. The judges said she was a valuable member of the team and an excellent trainer.

In 2006, she scooped Incorporated Engineer of the Year and now has her sights set on career development within Hotchkiss. Many former apprentices are currently in the Hotchkiss management team and Leoanne's aim is to join them.

Hotchkiss is currently interviewing for this year's intake of apprentices, further information is available at www.hotchkiss.co.uk

Alternatively you can contact Mel Hobbs on 01323 501234.