Apprentice's award caps hat-trick of wins for Ipswich firm

Why it matters: Charlie's win at the SJCC Awards means Ipswich-based engineering design company Superstructures has now produced a Professional Apprentice of the Year winner for three years running.

He follows colleagues David Williams, who won the category in 2025, and Lee Allender, who took the title in 2024.

The details: Charlie, who previously studied at Suffolk One Sixth Form College, is currently undertaking a degree apprenticeship in Civil Engineering, combining academic study with hands-on experience on live projects through Superstructures' in-house apprenticeship programme.

He received the award at the annual SJCC supper, attended by just under 400 representatives from the local construction industry.

What the judges said: "Charlie stood out as highly dedicated and also committed to giving back – supporting others and helping to develop the next generation.

"He demonstrated and evidenced a particular passion for sustainability, both through his own learning and by sharing that knowledge with others. Establishing and now leading the practice's in-house sustainability team, Charlie was deemed a cut above. Going a step further by developing a CPD programme to help educate industry partners on sustainable practices showed his determination to knowledge share amongst the whole industry, which was a particular highlight for all the judges.

"Being promoted to Senior Apprentice showed the respect he has gained within the practice, mentoring and supporting fellow apprentices; sharing his experience and helping others to succeed."

What they're saying: Charlie said: "I am honoured to have been recognised with this award and grateful to everyone at Superstructures who has supported me throughout my apprenticeship. The opportunity to learn from experienced engineers while working on real projects has helped me develop both my technical knowledge and professional confidence. It's incredibly rewarding to see the impact of the work we do and to be part of projects that make a difference in local communities."

Mark Hayward, director at Superstructures, who oversees the degree apprentice programme, said: "Our degree apprenticeship programme provides an outstanding environment for developing confident, capable engineering professionals.

"We are incredibly proud of Charlie and what he has achieved. To have one of our apprentices recognised for the third consecutive year is a fantastic endorsement of both Charlie's commitment and the apprenticeship pathway. He has worked hard to develop his skills and has become a valued member of our team."

The bigger picture: Apprentices on the scheme spend one day a week studying for their degree while gaining practical experience within the business for the rest of the week, with exposure to real engineering projects from the outset, supported by experienced mentors and senior apprentices.

Hayward added: "Engineering is about much more than technical ability. We look for individuals who are curious, willing to learn and able to communicate effectively. Charlie embodies those qualities, and this award recognises not only his academic achievements but also the positive contribution he makes to our business and the wider profession."

The bottom line: Charlie joins a growing number of successful Superstructures apprentices who have progressed through the programme, reinforcing the Ipswich firm's commitment to investing in the next generation of engineering professionals.

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