Babcock, the aerospace and defence company, has received two prestigious accolades at a ceremony in London from the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.
Devonport Royal Dockyard’s Hannah Orchard, Junior Naval Architect, scooped the Derek Kimber Medal after she undertook a week’s course at Hawkhirst on Kielder Water in Northumberland last year and impressed the judges with her team building skills and leadership qualities. She then took part in an interview with the Education and Charities Committee and announced as one of the winners.
This award, given to the third placed candidate, originates from the late Derek Kimber OBE, who was Prime Warden of The Worshipful Order and a noted shipbuilder, with a particular interest in apprentice training.
The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights Committee also acknowledged Babcock for the high level of training and support provided to apprentices, and as a result, presented them with ‘The Company Prize’.
Each year, dating back to 1945, The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights has held a competition called The Queen’s Silver Medal.
Originally, a silver medal was awarded to the Shipyard Apprentice of the Year but now there are five prizes on offer; The Queens Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, Derek Kimber Medal, Certificate for Most Notable Endeavour and The Company Prize.
The competition calls for nominations from every known dockyard in the United Kingdom. A select few nominees are then invited to undertake the week’s course and evaluation that Hannah attended, followed by the challenging interview process, after which the winners are announced.
Mike Homer, Managing Director, Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited, said: “To be awarded two prestigious, national accolades from The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights is a very impressive achievement. It is fantastic that we have such dedicated, talented individuals like Hannah building strong and prosperous careers with us. Well done to Hannah, and everyone involved for their hard work and efforts, which led to this national recognition.”
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