Engineering firm KMF has held its largest ever awards ceremony as it prepares to welcome its 20th cohort of apprentices later this year.
The Newcastle-under-Lyme-based company honoured its top apprentices at an evening celebration held at Double Tree by Hilton and attended by over 150 guests.
Third-year apprentice Sean Cashmore took away the Apprentice of the Year 2025-26 title, and was praised for his fantastic work ethic and for demonstrating excellent commitment.
He said: “I’m really honoured to be awarded Apprentice of the Year. I know it takes hard work and commitment to make it in the manufacturing industry, so I always ensure I’m on time and ready to work every single day whilst learning my trade.”
The John Booth Achievement Award went to third-year apprentice Reece Price who “consistently produces distinction level work, always on time and with excellent quality” while Ed Paget won the Special Achievement Award for his “excellent attendance” and “commitment throughout his apprenticeship”.
Best Individual for Commitment Award went to second-year apprentice Millie Richards-Snape, with first-year apprentice Steven Barlow also being highly commended in this category.
Team Leader Choice Awards went to Joe Mullor (fourth-year), Reece Bloor (third-year), Lucy Hughes (second-year) and Steven Barlow first-year).
Harry Cresswell was named Charity Champion of the Year after raising £790 during KMF’s Big Sleep Out fundraising campaign – the highest individual total of any participant. The event raised £4,000 for the Stoke City FC Foundation and other local charities, with Harry receiving his award from Stoke City FC Chief Operating Officer Simon King along with a commemorative club shirt.
KMF Group’s Managing Director Gareth Higgins said: “I’m incredibly proud of our apprenticeship scheme, and without the commitment over the last 20 years KMF wouldn’t be what it is today.
“Our leading apprenticeship programme is a catalyst for growth and is crucial for succession planning with many of our senior roles held by ex-apprentices.
“The KMF apprenticeship is used right across our business from Level 2 to Level 7 and is a strategic element of our workforce development. It is a real honour to celebrate our apprentice’s success.”
