“This is only the start of my career. I can only see it going further from here. Winning means a lot to me. It shows the passion I have for this industry.”
Toby Highstead was named Graduate of the Year at the 12th annual ECI Training and Development Awards, which celebrated excellence in training and development.
The 24-year-old, who grew up in Norwich, was honoured at a prestigious ceremony at One Marylebone in London organised by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).
Toby, who is a mechanical engineer at Amentum, came out on top after being shortlisted in the final three for the award, which recognises the achievements of individuals actively pursuing or having successfully completed a graduate programme within their organisations in the past 12 months.
He joined Jacobs in September 2022 and spent two years as a graduate mechanical engineer working in the north of Scotland on Dounreay in the nuclear decommissioning sector, engaging in project planning, design and implementation. Jacobs merged with Amentum in September 2024 and he is now based in Warrington.
Toby, who graduated with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leicester, was recognised by the judging panel for his technical prowess, innovative problem-solving, leadership, dedication to community and environmental stewardship.
The award submission highlighted how his innovative contributions and ability to leverage technology have strengthened client relations and enhanced project efficiency and accuracy significantly, exemplified by his use of AI and creation of a custom code using ChatGPT.
“I was told when I was younger that I would never become an engineer, so I am over the moon to have been recognised for what I have achieved.
“I always enjoyed STEM subjects when I was at school, I was into science and maths. I remember my year four teacher pulling my parents to one side at a parents evening and saying I had a talent. I hope he would be proud of me now.
“This is only the start of my career. I can only see it going further from here. Winning means a lot to me. It shows the passion I have for this industry.
“There is a lot to be done in nuclear decommissioning and I really want to go down that route and be part of that.”
Toby Highstead
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