Face of BT’s technician recruitment campaign wins top engineering award

10 January 2008

The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) has today announced that Victoria Nicholson, age 20 from Colchester has scooped the 2007 IET Young Woman Engineering Apprentice of the Year award.

Victoria beat hundreds of applicants to claim the title which recognises the skills and achievements of apprentices and also to raise awareness of the value of an apprenticeship route into engineering and technology careers.

An advanced apprentice with BT, Victoria works in BT Wholesale in a team responsible for managing capacity within the switch telephone network. In just over two years Victoria has become an essential member of her team and has ownership of various tasks such as planning and creating certain processes in BT’s 21st Century Network. Victoria also has responsibility for managing the development training within her operational team.

Judges of the award were particularly impressed with Victoria’s drive and ambition to promote apprenticeships to others. Victoria was nominated by a number of senior staff to appear in advertisements for BT’s Apprentice Attraction Campaign which aims to recruit more female apprentices into BT. Victoria also represents more than 300 BT Wholesale apprentices as an Apprentice Network Committee Member which involves supporting fellow apprentices, creating website content and arranging educational, social and charity events.

Robin McGill, chief executive of the IET said: “The IET is committed to raising awareness of the value of apprenticeships, particularly as the engineering sector is currently facing skills shortages. Victoria is a wonderful role model for other young women considering entering the profession through the apprenticeship route and I wish her all the very best for the future.”

In addition to supporting fellow apprentices in BT, Victoria is also actively involved in visiting schools and careers fairs to talk to other young women about apprenticeships.

Victoria will receive a cheque for £500 and an engraved trophy at the BT Centre, London presented by scientist and TV personality Dr Maggie Aderin. The IET Young Woman Engineering Apprentice Award is part of the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award which aims to highlight the shortage of female engineers in the UK.

All media enquiries to:

Jenny Bond

T: 020 7344 5445

E: jennybond@theiet.org