Kayleigh Simm
Kayleigh Simm is the only female in her apprentice cohort at Newcastle-based KMF – but that does not stop her drive and passion for engineering shining through.
Her employers say she has made “absolutely outstanding progress” in the 18 months she has been with them.
From a young age, Kayleigh had a keen interest in engineering from watching TV programmes with her dad and in her own words: “I’ve always wanted to learn how to make the products that I was seeing on the television.”
Before joining KMF in August 2022 the 19-year-old did a Level 3 BTEC in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) which fuelled her passion for engineering. Whilst there she won The NSCG Principal’s Vocational Award in 2022, a sign of her talent, attitude and desire to reach her full potential.
Jenny Johnston, People and Culture Manager at KMF, said: “She is an extremely driven and talented young person who has made an outstanding impression within the company.
“A sign of the esteem that Kayleigh is held in can be seen by how many school and college careers fairs that she has led with the KMF team (15 in total so far), plus acted as an outstanding apprentice advocate on our Apprenticeship Open Day to over 140 visitors.
“As well as being extremely bright (she won the Academic Achievement Award at our last KMF Apprentice Awards), Kayleigh has the personal skills and qualities that really do show both herself and the company in a great light to others.
“An example of her willingness to develop herself and help others is that Kayleigh never says no to CSR and charity work on behalf of the company and is always the first to volunteer.
“More recently, Kayleigh has received her diploma results and has achieved distinctions across all units, an achievement not yet seen by any apprentice at KMF. Since opening the KMF training facility we have trained more than 200 engineering apprentices.
“Kayleigh has plenty of other experience helping us with our community work, as she is an integral part of a team that led STEM activities in a number of local schools throughout the school holidays. This STEM team were absolutely superb in everything that they did, especially when you consider that they had to go into a wide range of educational establishments – and we know from experience that schoolchildren are often the harshest critics of all! It was a steep but enjoyable learning curve for our apprentices, but Kayleigh was brilliant and the verbal feedback that she had was outstanding.
“Kayleigh has a fantastic work ethic, a mature attitude towards all that she does, and we feel that she will have an exceptional career. She is looking to undertake a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and then potentially teaching after that.
“She develops positive, productive working relationships with others, boasts superb organisational skills and revels in situations where she can support her peers.”
Kayleigh Simm has been nominated in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Aurelia Brzezowska
“I never owned a computer until I came to University of Staffordshire.”
And yet, three years later, 21 year-old Aurelia Brzezowska has just been named STEAM Personality of the Year at the Inspirational Youth Awards and is seen as one of the leading young technology changemakers in the UK.
A Computer Science undergraduate student at University of Staffordshire, Aurelia is dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion and opportunities through her passion for the subject.
Aurelia moved to the UK from Poland when she was six years old. She was stimulated from a young age by, in her own words, “breaking things and putting them back together”.
In 2023 Aurelia received a RAEng scholarship to attend university, where she is now seen as an inspirational figure within that community and beyond.
She has held a number of roles and responsibilities during her time at University of Staffordshire including STEM Ambassador, Youth Advisory Panellist for the UK Cyber Security Council, Manager of the Staffs Computing Society and Co-Founder of the Staffs Women in STEM Society.
In 2024 Aurelia founded Byte Queens – a UK-based network for women in technology which is changing the conversation on representation in STEM by empowering women from disadvantaged backgrounds to excel in computing and by offering opportunities to support development.
Aurelia says she is driven by a desire to give back. This stems from her own childhood and educational journey and her work not only positively affects university students but the wider Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire community.
Aurelia said: “I came from a single-parent immigrant household, and I could barely read when I was younger.
“I was the only girl who took Computer Science at A Level in my college and I have always wanted to be a role model.
“I have a real focus on supporting those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and encouraging more girls to pursue STEM subjects.
“My community helped me to get to where I am now and so I want to give back to the community whenever I can.
“I am passionate about helping others to access educational opportunities.
“My recent STEAM award truly means the world to me. But this is just the beginning. I’m more motivated than ever to have an impact on as many people as possible.”
Aurelia Brzezowska has been nominated in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards 2025.
Brooklynne Chadwick
Apprentice accountant Brooklynne Chadwick began working with one of her employer’s largest clients, including preparing the payroll for a business with 100 employees, after just a few weeks in the role.
The 17-year-old has been praised for her ‘exceptional dedication, skill and professionalism throughout her apprenticeship’.
Brooklynne is studying for a Level 3 AAT Apprenticeship at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group alongside working at JMT Accountancy in Fenton.
Tomasz Putynkowski, Director of JMT, said: “Brooklynne has shown remarkable aptitude in her role, quickly mastering complex accounting tasks and consistently delivering high-quality work.
“Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy have significantly contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of our team. She has taken on responsibilities beyond her initial scope, showcasing her ability to learn and adapt swiftly.
“Brooklynne is a team player who fosters a positive and collaborative work environment. She is always willing to assist her colleagues, share her knowledge and contribute to team projects. Her excellent communication skills and approachable demeanour make her a respected and valued member of our team. Brooklynne handles client enquiries with professionalism and ensures that their needs are met promptly and effectively.”
Brooklynne has been nominated in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Millie Quick
T-Level Business Management and Administration student Millie Quick has become a mentor for other students working alongside her in placements at Newcastle-under-Lyme based Recruitment Robin.
The 18-year-old is in the second year of a T-Level in business management and administration which she combines with working one day per week as a recruitment admin assistant.
Her role at the company has changed to include mentoring first year T-Level and BTEC students and helping to teach them skills including goal setting and creating cash flow forecasts.
Selina Rudzik, Director of Recruitment Robin, said: “Millie’s journey has seen her evolve from a reserved student into a proactive and highly
valued team member. She has taken every opportunity to develop new skills, build her confidence and contribute meaningfully to the business.
“As part of her professional growth, Millie was introduced to the local business community through networking events, an experience that initially saw her as a quiet observer. However, through her dedication and perseverance she has flourished into a confident and articulate spokesperson, not only for Recruitment Robin but for the T-Level programme itself.
“Millie’s ability to take initiative, think innovatively and contribute fresh ideas has made a positive and lasting impact on both Recruitment Robin and the wider T-Level programme.
“She embodies the spirit of continuous learning and development, demonstrating how education and work experience can shape a young professional into a confident, capable and inspirational leader of the future.
“One of Millie’s most outstanding achievements has been her transition into an ambassadorial role, where she now delivers professional presentations to educate and engage local employers about the benefits of T-Level placements.
“Through her innovative approach and ability to connect with business leaders, she has helped increase awareness and participation in the programme, showcasing how T-Level students can bring real value to businesses.”
Millie Quick has been nominated in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards.