An apprentice who is balancing a career in engineering with professional rugby has been honoured at a major manufacturing awards event.
Alistair Swyer, a 19-year-old Apprentice Maintenance Technician with Ideal Heating in Hull, was named Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year: Final Year among the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber regional winners of the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2026.
Alistair joined Hull-based Ideal Heating in 2023, embarking on a five-year apprenticeship while continuing to pursue his rugby league career with Super League club Hull FC. Having been part of the club for five years, he currently plays as hooker for the reserves team, fitting training and playing commitments around his work and studies.
The Make UK Manufacturing Awards celebrate the resilience, determination and innovation of the UK manufacturing sector, recognising the individuals and businesses driving the industry forward. This year’s regional awards ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle. Alistair received the award in recognition of his dedication to his apprenticeship, his contribution to the business and his commitment to developing his skills.
Reflecting on his win, Alistair said: “I was really shocked because, when I was looking around the room, there were some massive businesses and it was really surreal to be called out as a winner. “It was a really proud moment to receive that kind of recognition and to see the past three years of hard work all pay off. It’s not every day you can say you have won this kind of award.”
The judges praised Alistair, saying: “This candidate humbly balances huge academic, professional and extra-curricular activities while delivering to the best of their abilities as an apprentice.”
Ideal Heating HR Director Miriam Moore said: “Alistair has demonstrated a real commitment to developing his skills, making a valuable contribution to the business and making the most of every opportunity presented to him. “We’re incredibly proud to see his efforts recognised and look forward to seeing what he goes on to achieve in the future.”
Alistair will now progress to the national Make UK National Manufacturing Awards in London in the new year. He hopes to continue building his career at Ideal Heating while pursuing his ambitions in professional rugby.
Ideal Heating Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Trainee Oliver Hinton was also shortlisted for the Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year: Rising Star award, highlighting the strength of the company’s apprenticeship programme and commitment to developing the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent.
