LTI's Sophia Is Named Apprentice Of The Year

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom – November 25, 2008: Iconic London Taxi manufacturers LTI are celebrating the news that one of their bright young sparks has been pronounced as apprentice of the year at the EEF Annual Engineering Apprentice of the Year Awards 2008.

Sophia Lock, aged 24, was given this prestigious title at the awards ceremony hosted by the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on 12th November 2008.

After completing a foundation year of training, Sophia then spent three years of ‘in-company’ training at the Midland Group Training Centre in Coventry where she enjoyed developing her practical skills.

Peter Shillcock, Managing Director at LTI Vehicles said: ‘We are thrilled with Sophia’s accomplishment and very proud of all that she has done during her apprenticeship. Being short listed as one of the six national finalists was a great achievement in itself but to going on to win the title is wonderful news for Sophia and all at LTI.”

This recognition of her hard work quickly follows another main highlight in her career after receiving the opportunity to visit China in October 2008 and assist with LTI’s joint venture with Chinese car manufacturer Zhejiang Geely. During this trip she got to observe the pre- production builds for the manufacture of taxis in China and assist with problem solving.

Coventry born Sophia is passionate about both changing attitudes towards engineering and encouraging more young women to consider the industry, which she finds rewarding, enjoyable and flexible.

“We as engineers have an obligation to the profession and to our society to encourage girls and boys to pursue careers in engineering and technology to ensure we have a high-performance and diverse workforce. After all the UK is famous for having the best Engineers world wide.”

“I want to stay in industry to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible, complete a mechanical engineering degree and hopefully climb the career ladder to take on a management role.”