Wright Brothers Industrial Services, Babcock and Ayrshire College were among the aviation-related winners recognised at the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026, which celebrated organisations helping to address engineering and manufacturing skills shortages across the UK.

The awards recognise students, apprentices, employers, training providers and collaborations developing the next generation of engineering talent.

Babcock received the Large Employer Skills Champion of the Year award for its Emerging Talent programme, which includes skills development for aviation. The programme creates multiple entry routes into engineering careers for apprentices, career changers, veterans and returners, helping to address workforce shortages while improving recruitment, retention and inclusion.

Debbie Joce, skills director at Babcock, said: “I am absolutely delighted – this is recognition of the team’s incredible work. Passion drives us, we know we need to do everything we can to drive skills for the next generation.”

Babcock also won New Talent Inspiration Programme of the Year for its PSO Programme, sponsored by Rolls-Royce, which provides accessible pathways into engineering through inclusive recruitment, targeted training and collaboration with external partners.

Natashia Allan, capability and prosperity director at Babcock, said: “Collaboration is the secret of our success. This is a reward for the whole team and those that we work with outside the organisation.”

Wright Brothers Industrial Services Limited was named SME Employer Skills Champion of the Year. The company was recognised for embedding skills development into its growth strategy through apprenticeships, upskilling, leadership development and inclusive learning pathways.

Sarah Collins, head of administration at Wright Brothers Industrial Services Limited, said: “We’ve been building our programmes for upskilling and apprenticeships over the last five years. It’s a great achievement for all of us. It’s tough – but we have a full order book. Finding the right people is key and then giving them the equipment they need is vital.”

Ayrshire College was named Training Partner Skills Champion of the Year for its Supporting the Engineering & Aerospace Skills Pipeline for Ayrshire initiative.

The programme works with employers to strengthen Scotland’s aerospace sector through pre-apprenticeships, expanded apprenticeship opportunities and specialist upskilling, supporting progression into engineering careers while helping to meet regional workforce demand.

Angela Cox, chief executive and principal at Ayrshire College, said: “It’s recognition of all the hard work that the team has given the aerospace cluster in our region. This is a catalyst to help us build and move onwards and upwards. It’s about immersing yourself in the sector – we know the needs that they have and make it our business to be in and around the workplace all the time.”

Gareth Hedicker, chief operating officer for marine at Babcock, said: “The Enginuity Skills Awards highlight the very best of the engineering and manufacturing sector, and this year’s winners represent the talent that will drive UK industry forward.”

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DID YOU KNOW…

Aviation Business News is looking for the best employers in the aviation industry to champion the careers and opportunities our exciting sector offers.

Our Best Places To Work In Aviation Awards 2026 are open for registration and, once again, entrants and winners are able to earn the accolade absolutely free of charge.

To find out more about the awards, our eligibility criteria and to register go to: bestplacestoworkaviation.com

The deadline for registrations is July 17, 2026