Alistair Swyer, a 19-year-old apprentice at Ideal Heating in Hull, has been named Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year: Final Year at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2026, balancing his engineering studies with a rugby league career at Super League club Hull FC.
Swyer began his five-year apprenticeship with Ideal Heating at the age of 16 while continuing to pursue rugby league with Hull FC. Now an Apprentice Maintenance Technician, he plays as hooker for Hull FC's reserves squad, fitting training and match commitments around his professional and academic duties.
Recognition at the Regional Awards
He collected the accolade at the grand final of the Make UK Manufacturing Awards, which honour businesses and individuals demonstrating resilience, determination and innovation across the sector. This year's regional awards were held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, where Swyer was recognised among champions from the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber.
The award acknowledged Swyer's commitment to his Ideal Heating apprenticeship, his contribution to the organisation and his dedication to developing his skills.
Judges' Praise and Future Plans
Swyer 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 judging panel noted: "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."
Swyer will now advance to the national Make UK National Manufacturing Awards in London in the new year. Ideal Heating Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Trainee Oliver Hinton was also shortlisted for the Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year: Rising Star award.
