Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • RBSL apprentices win at national manufacturing awards

Defence Events

RBSL apprentices win at national manufacturing awards

RBSL recently celebrated success at the Make UK National Manufacturing Awards, with two apprentices winning national titles.

The National Manufacturing Awards are organised annually by the manufacturers’ organisation, Make UK, with the aim of highlighting the resilience, determination and ingenuity of the UK’s manufacturing community.

Two RBSL colleagues, Jack Sears and Mohammed Shuayb, competed in the apprentice award categories with other regional winners from across the UK. Jack proceeded to win the Business Apprentice Final Year category, with Mohammed winning the Engineering Apprentice Final Year category.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Jack (above) joined the business in 2017 and recently graduated from a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship. As an apprentice and now full-time member of RBSL’s ‘industrialisation team’, Jack works to transform RBSL’s Telford site into a world-class manufacturing facility ahead of delivering major programmes for the UK MOD.

He is actively involved in managing strategic elements of the plan, including supporting the HR recruitment team as they recruit over 100 new employees. As a result, he was also named RBSL Business Apprentice of Year 2020.

Mohammed (above) is also a key member of RBSL’s industrialisation team, taking the lead on a number of projects including manufacturing and coordinating time-lapse cameras to capture the significant transformations of the facility. He has also supported the induction of new apprentices over a number of years and has offered personal mentorship following his own experiences.

As a result, Mohammed was named ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by RBSL’s training provider in 2019 and voted ‘Players’ Player’ by RBSL’s own apprentice community, demonstrating how highly respected he is by peers.

RBSL currently employs almost 40 apprentices across its UK sites and is proud to actively invest in early careers and protect engineering and manufacturing skills. Rheinmetall CEO, Armin Papperger (above), recently took the time to recognise and personally thank Jack and Mohammed for their achievements and excellent performance.

Mr Papperger said: “I am very pleased about the award for our two colleagues. It fills me with pride that we have so many outstanding talents in our Rheinmetall family. In view of the diverse and complex projects to which we devote ourselves at Rheinmetall, we rely on motivated and talented colleagues. They form the basis for our success.“

Advertisement
ODU RT

Charlotte Horobin, Region Director for Make UK in the Midlands, said: “These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in the Midlands and as we re-build our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

 

 

 

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
JFD Global to collaborate with ST Engineering Marine in Singapore

Defence Security

JFD Global to collaborate with ST Engineering Marine in Singapore

19 January 2026

James Fisher Defence (JFD Global) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ST Engineering Marine to explore new opportunities for collaboration in Singapore and beyond.

QinetiQ extends Typhoon engineering services contract with MoD

Defence

QinetiQ extends Typhoon engineering services contract with MoD

19 January 2026

QinetiQ today announced a five-year extension worth £205 million, with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), to continue to deliver mission critical engineering services for the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon aircraft.

Battlefield tactics to protect UK prisons against drones

Defence Security

Battlefield tactics to protect UK prisons against drones

19 January 2026

The Deputy Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry of Justice to learn from Ukraine’s expertise, to harness their wartime innovation and tackle prison drones.

BAE Systems to enhance E-2D Advanced Hawkeye depot capability

Defence

BAE Systems to enhance E-2D Advanced Hawkeye depot capability

16 January 2026

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $62 million contract to begin a new capability in the current depot line at the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest in San Diego, California for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft interrogator system.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Lane Electronics showcasing solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Lane Electronics showcasing solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

16 January 2026

Specialist connector distributor Lane Electronics, will be presenting a range of electrical connectors and accessories at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026, being held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, 3rd–5th February 2026.

BAE Systems receives expanded US Marine Corps ACVs contract

Defence

BAE Systems receives expanded US Marine Corps ACVs contract

15 January 2026

BAE Systems has received a $184 million (£136m) contract from the US Marine Corps for the production of 30 additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs), a portion of the previously awarded full-rate production (FRP) Lot 5/6 contract.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB