Sellafield bright spark Laura Pugh has been recognised as an inspiration for the next generation of engineers.

The 23-year-old from Workington took the title Young Apprentice of the Year at the annual Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) awards event in London.

Laura was praised for her commitment to learning and her work to inspire younger people to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Her honour was a double delight for Sellafield which was named Large Employer of the Year, in the same awards.

Steve Bostock, site director for Sellafield Ltd said:“For the company to receive an award like this during a year of such unprecedented change is testament to the people driving forward the Sellafield clean-up mission.

“Laura is a shining example of that, and to see her recognised as an outstanding role model for the next generation of engineers, is fantastic.

“Not only has she excelled in her training and subsequent employment, she goes above and beyond to support colleagues and promote the value of apprenticeships.”

The ECITB Awards celebrate the brightest and best from the engineering construction industry, including those delivering world class education and training.

Steve added: “We are home to some of the most complex challenges in the world, but have one of the most innovative and determined workforce and supply chains.

“Although the mission at Sellafield is changing, engineering and construction skills will be needed for decades to come.

“We are proud to be developing world class education and training to help create a pipeline of skills, building the UK’s workforce of tomorrow.”

Having completed an apprenticeship in electrical design, Laura is now an electrical and instrumentation designer at the nuclear site, while working towards a degree with the University of Cumbria.

She said: “I was just happy to be nominated for an award as it meant that my hard work has been noticed, but I’m stunned to have won.

“Balancing academic studies with work and STEM activities for four years was difficult at times, but I was keen to give it my best and I had great support from my mentor and managers.”

Judges said Laura demonstrated excellent performance during her apprenticeship, commitment to her own personal development and a passion to raise the aspiration of local school students.

Last year Sellafield worker Lydia Rowell took home the Women in Engineering award, and the company continues to be praised for its impressive female apprentice intake.

Steve added: “We are extremely proud to have 42 per cent female apprentices, the highest of any STEM employer in the UK, and trainees like Laura provide positive role models for women in the engineering profession.”