North East training provider NC Group and 3M are celebrating a second consecutive Apprentice of the Year success at the Aycliffe Business Park Make Your Mark Awards, after 3M Aycliffe apprentice James Graham was named the 2026 winner.
James follows fellow apprentice Matthew Davis, who won the same title in 2025 after being recognised for leading a sustainability project that delivered an estimated £50,000 saving for 3M.
Held at Hardwick Hall, the 2026 Make Your Mark Awards recognised James for his exceptional commitment, technical ability and professionalism throughout his apprenticeship. James recently completed his Level 3 Science Industry Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship with NC Group, achieving a Distinction in his End Point Assessment.
Working as an apprentice multi-skilled maintenance technician at 3M Aycliffe, James plays a key role in maintaining the site’s production machinery that manufactures respiratory protection equipment for healthcare and industry.
Throughout his apprenticeship, James was supported by the wider engineering and maintenance teams at 3M, alongside NC Group Engineering Team Leader Steve Harrison, whose industry-led approach guided James through both the practical and academic elements of his development.
Also supporting James was Gary Simon, Maintenance Apprentice Coordinator at 3M Aycliffe, who plays a key role in mentoring and developing 3M’s apprentices.
Gary said: “James receiving Apprentice of the Year is thoroughly deserved and reflects the hard work, commitment and professionalism he has demonstrated throughout his apprenticeship.
“Over the last four years, he has developed into a highly capable maintenance technician whose attitude, willingness to develop and ability to work alongside experienced engineers have made him a real asset to the team.
“For a 3M apprentice to win two years consecutively is also recognition of the wider support network. The Maintenance, Engineering and Production teams all play an important role in helping apprentices gain the experience, confidence and technical skills they need to succeed, alongside the excellent support provided by NC Group throughout the programme.”
James commented on his win: “Winning Apprentice of the Year is something I never expected, and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.
“The apprenticeship route has allowed me to learn on the job, work alongside experienced engineers and build practical skills while continuing my education. The support from both the teams at 3M and NC Group has been excellent throughout.”
Liam Noble, Managing Director at NC Group, added: “Both James and Matthew are outstanding examples of what apprenticeships can achieve.
“For two NC Group learners to win this award in consecutive years is something we are incredibly proud of. It reflects not only the commitment of the apprentices, but also the strength of partnerships with employers like 3M, who continue to invest in developing future engineering talent.”
Together, the wins emphasise the continued success of apprenticeship pathways in creating highly skilled engineers for the North East’s manufacturing sector.
To learn more about NC Group’s Ofsted Outstanding Apprenticeship programmes, call 01388 737121, email training@ncgroupltd.co.uk, or visit www.ncgroupltd.co.uk.
