Peterborough College Apprentice Wins National Best Apprentice Award from ICME

Peterborough College, part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), is celebrating national recognition after apprentice Ronnie Pratt was awarded Best Apprentice 2025 by the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (ICME).

The award, sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Founders, honours the most outstanding apprentice in the UK’s cast metals industry and was presented at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.

Ronnie began his apprenticeship with Omega Sinto Foundry Machinery Ltd in Peterborough at the age of 16, choosing a vocational pathway over sixth form to pursue a more practical and hands-on career. Attracted by Omega Sinto’s advanced workshop and supportive environment, Ronnie combined work-based learning with his BTEC in Engineering and CAD training at college. He has since progressed to become the company’s youngest Bay Leader, working independently to lead projects and contribute to the company’s innovative, sustainable engineering solutions.

Alan Stones, Production Manager at Omega Sinto Foundry Machinery, said:

“The Omega team are proud to celebrate Ronnie Pratt, winner of the Founders’ Best Apprentice Award at the ICME National Awards! Now in his fourth year, Ronnie continues to thrive, feeling confident, valued and ready for the future. This prestigious award is open to apprentices across the industry, and we’re thrilled to see Ronnie’s talent and hard work recognised on a national stage.”

This success follows IEG’s recent announcement of a 10% increase in apprenticeship achievement rates, alongside being ranked in the top 10% of general further education colleges nationally in the latest National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs).

Ronnie’s achievement reflects the strength of IEG’s apprenticeship provision and its role as a regional anchor institution, providing high-quality technical education that meets industry needs, supports employer success and contributes to economic growth across the region.

Through partnerships with employers like Omega Sinto, IEG is setting the standard for apprenticeships that drive skills development, support business growth and strengthen the regional economy.

At Peterborough College, our Employer Engagement team work with over 1,000 organisations to develop their workforce locally, regionally and nationally.

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