AT the age of 20 Ryan Heath is already taking a leading role in implementing new manufacturing technology at the engineering firm where he works – and now he has been named the UK’s top manufacturing apprentice for January.

Julian Grail, his boss at Grail Engineering at Steam Mills near Cinderford, says Ryan has made “outstanding progress” both academically and with his practical skills.

Ryan wins £100 in Amazon vouchers and goes forward for the overall title of manufacturing apprentice of the year.

The initiative has been set up AMI, a web design and marketing agency that specialises in supporting manufacturers.

The former pupil of Dene Magna School in Mitcheldean is in the fourth year of a five-year apprenticeship at the long-established Forest engineering company.

Mr Grail, the firm’s business development manager, said: “”He has taken leadership in implementing new manufacturing technologies within the business.

“Specifically, he is our most skilled operator of our state-of-the-art Bystronic CNC 250-tonne press and has played a leading role in bringing into production our new CNC (computer numerical control) plasma cutter.

“Ryan is very much a team player and always contributes to continually improving our processes.

“He has made outstanding progress both academically and with his practical skills.

“Ryan is always professional, has outstanding communication skills, and is a great ambassador for our company.”

Grail was established in 1965 has been training apprentices for more than 30 years, developing bespoke high-quality training programs to meet their specific needs.

Julian added: “As a growing business, apprentices provide a good means of getting the skills we need and offering young people the chance to get a first class training.”