A talented apprentice from Ibstock Brick has won a prestigious regional award. Zac Payne – who is based at Ibstock Brick’s Chailey Factory, near Lewes – was a finalist for the Make UK Manufacturing Awards in the Engineering Apprentice of the Year (Final Year) for the Southern Region. And on October 15th, Zac was announced as the winner at a ceremony held at Aerospace Bristol. The judges remarked that Zac’s award was recognition of his outstanding attitude towards work, willingness to learn and the lead role he had taken on technical electrical projects. He will now go forward to the Make UK National Awards which will be held in London on January 29th 2020. Zac, who joined the Ibstock Brick apprenticeship programme in 2016, commented: “My apprenticeship has been hugely valuable in helping me extend my knowledge through practical and hands-on experience. This has allowed me to contribute to engineering projects across the factory. My mentor Paul Charlesworth has been a great help in helping me achieve my goals. I was delighted to win and it is a privilege to be recognised by the judges.” Paula Wardle, Group Learning and Development at Ibstock plc, comments: “We are extremely proud of Zac’s achievements. Since beginning his apprenticeship he has shown great ability in all areas of his work. His attitude towards learning has been excellent and this award recognises how he has made the most of the training and development opportunities presented to him during his apprenticeship.” For more information about Apprenticeship opportunities at Ibstock plc