From apprentice to award winner: Robbie’s success recognised
October 14, 2026
Responsive Engineering is celebrating the success of colleague Robbie Arrowsmith, who has been named Plate Welder of the Year at Tyne North Training’s inaugural Apprentice Awards.
The awards ceremony took place at Spanish City in Whitley Bay at the start of October, bringing together learners, educators, employers, families and colleagues to celebrate the achievements of apprentices across the region.
Robbie, who joined Responsive Engineering as a Plate Welding Apprentice in September 2022 aged just 16, completed his training in August 2025. Over the course of the three years, his on-the-job learning was complemented by specialist apprenticeship teaching from Tyne North Training in Wallsend.
Surprised but delighted to receive the accolade, Robbie, was joined on the evening by his mam and girlfriend, as well as colleagues from Responsive Engineering, including his supervisor Andy Hodgkinson.
Commenting on his award, Robbie said: “Winning Apprentice of the Year is a really proud moment for me and something I’m incredibly grateful for. My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn new skills, take on challenges and develop both personally and professionally. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout my apprenticeship, especially the people who have helped me along the way. It’s a great achievement, and one I’m very proud of.”
Robbie’s supervisor, Andy Hodgkinson, who recommended him for the accolade, added: “Robbie has consistently shown a real commitment to producing work to a high standard. He has an excellent eye for detail and can always be relied upon to deliver quality welds safely and efficiently. His technical ability has really developed throughout his apprenticeship, including gaining multiple 6G welding codes across different grades of material.
“Just as importantly, Robbie is dependable, hardworking and always willing to step up when needed. He takes responsibility, works well with the wider team and is always keen to learn and develop his skills. He’s become someone we can trust to get on with the job, and his attitude and work ethic have earned him a lot of respect across the team.”
Robbie’s award recognises the combination of technical ability, commitment and professional development he demonstrated throughout his apprenticeship.
This latest accolade adds to the growing recognition for our award-winning apprenticeship programme. Following our double-win at the North East Apprenticeship Awards earlier this year, Robbie’s Plate Welder of the Year praise underscores our continuous commitment to training excellence. As part of the Pearson Engineering Group, we currently have 52 apprentices spanning six levels of learning and we remain dedicated to investing in early-career professionals, providing colleagues with the industry-leading support, mentorship, and development opportunities they need to become true leaders in their craft.