A YEOVIL apprentice has been recognised as a ‘rising star’ at a regional awards ceremony.

Brandon Weeks, a trainee at Leonardo Helicopters, was awarded the Rising Star award at Make UK’s Regional Manufacturing Awards, with his work ethic and leadership praised by award judges and his bosses.

Leonardo bosses say Brandon, a third year apprentice craft electrical technician, has been excelling among his peer group and he has been “shining” against the entire apprentice population.

Despite his success at Leonardo, a career working with helicopters was not always on the cards for Brandon.

The pandemic put an end to his internship at AFC Bournemouth which prompted the sports therapy graduate to start volunteering at Yeovil Town FC where he discovered an unlikely interest in aviation after being left awe-struck by a Wildcat Helicopter executing a daring handbrake turn in the skies above Huish Park.

Having been considering a career change at the time, Brandon wasted no time in researching this new career path, landing on Leonardo and applying for an apprenticeship.

Kerri-Anne Mruk, regional director for the south of England at Make UK, 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 south west and, as we grow our economy, there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

The awards, organised by Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation representing industry across the UK, were held at the Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook, Hampshire to recognise the achievements of companies from across the south of England.

The winners will now going on to the national finals which will be held in London in January 2025.