Engineering Apprentice and Old Novaportan Nihal Dhillon was named Rising Star of the Year, with his empolyer, JCB, crowned Macro Employer of the Year.

The competition, which is now in its 18th year, was designed to recognise and reward the achievements of exceptional apprentices, as well as apprenticeship employees and champions. JCB beat off competition from co-finalists Lloyds Banking Group and the Royal Navy to win its award. 

Nihal, 20, is in the third year of a four-year Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at JCB and works at the company’s World HQ at Rochester. He said: “It feels fantastic to have won this award, and to be recognised for all the hard work. I think these awards are really important to showcase the amazing young talent we have in this country across all schemes.”