Team Simmatic attended the Automate UK Awards at The Vox Conference Venue, Birmingham. Ryan Griffiths, apprentice automation engineer, was selected as one of the final eight nominees for Apprentice of the Year. All shortlisted apprentices were commended for their achievement and the standard of entries was exceptional.

Our evening began with a welcome drinks reception, where manufacturing professionals, engineering experts, technology innovators and industry leaders gathered. We all enjoyed a three-course gala dinner followed by the prestigious Automate UK Awards Ceremony, honouring excellence across the processing and packaging machinery industries. Being shortlisted, as one of eight finalists, for Apprentice of the Year 2025, is a fitting recognition for Ryan’s hard work throughout the last year. He has proved himself, over the last twelve months, as a standout apprentice. Honest and dependable, consistently going above and beyond. Always being adaptable, with good communication skills, attention to detail and regularly using his initiative. Ryan has a strong work ethic. His eagerness to learn is exceptional, Ryan asks thoughtful questions, takes notes, seeks feedback and applies it quickly. He has a positive attitude, approaches challenges with optimism, is respectful to mentors and teammates and works well with the team here at Simmatic – bringing energy and enthusiasm to the workplace.

In June 2025, we asked Ryan to tell us about his first year working with the team, he said “I completed the Thermodynamics, Mathematics, Mechanical Principles and Fluid Dynamics courses at Dudley College of Technology – working towards my Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Mech qualification. I apply these skills in my day to day working at Simmatic, improving my work and engineering knowledge as I go on. I’ve been given a range of tasks to further my experience with industrial vacuum and pneumatic equipment – working with the VMECA vacuum range, testing different products and creating video evidence. For me this has been a real eye opener, seeing how the world of automation works, and I can’t wait to see where the next twelve months is going to take me.”

Ben Priest, Simmatic’s Technical Director and Ryan’s Line Manager said, “Keep up the hard work and progression. We’re all so pleased to have you as part of the team. Ryan will continue to work alongside Simmatic’s experienced team of Engineers, learning as he earns, creating a career for himself in the process.

https://simmatic.co.uk/2025/09/simmatics-apprentice-shines-bright/