Milly McGhee, an apprentice project manager at Durata, has been crowned Redcar & Cleveland College’s Apprentice of the Year.

This prestigious accolade celebrates the 19-year-old's exceptional achievements and dedication during her time with Middlesbrough's specialists in critical power and data centre infrastructure.

Milly has described her immense pride in not only representing Durata but also in her role as a young woman forging a path in the engineering sector, where she is determined to excel and inspire others.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been named Apprentice of the Year at Redcar & Cleveland College, especially considering there were six other strong nominees.

“My HNC results are looking fantastic, and I’m always told how good my submitted work is, which has all been based on what I do at work with Durata, so I know I’m talking about real-world experience.”

Milly has just successfully completed her HNC in electrical engineering, achieving distinctions in all eight modules and earning an overall distinction.

She is also currently studying a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship, which she is due to complete in February 2027.

Her commitment to professional development is further highlighted by her affiliations with the Engineering Council, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aeronautical Society as an engineering technician.

Milly joined Durata in February 2023. During that two-year period she has already taken on significant responsibilities - and travelled.

“I’ve project managed and supported the rest of the projects team. I even went on-site in Frankfurt, helping to manage a major job there for a manufacturing company, where Durata completed all installations and mechanical work over a year,” she said.

“I am now managing labour, assigning tasks, ordering materials and liaising with customers. While primarily office-based, my role has taken me across the UK to the south, Scotland, and Wales, as well as to Germany.”

And Omar Yousef, Durata’s project director, is proud of what Milly has achieved.

He said: "Milly's recognition as Redcar & Cleveland College Apprentice of the Year is incredibly well-deserved.

“From the moment she joined us, her dedication and eagerness to learn have been evident. She’s become an integral part of our projects team, consistently demonstrating a strong grasp of her responsibilities, even in challenging environments like our Frankfurt site.

“We're immensely proud of her achievements and her growth, not just as an apprentice but also as a confident and highly capable young professional in engineering.”

Milly also believes Durata’s commitment to employee development has had a huge influence on her own journey.

She said: “Durata encourages you to develop professionally; there’s always someone to help you out, and someone will sit and explain until you understand. They really encourage you.

“It was a shock at first as I was quite shy starting full-time. I’ve gained more confidence in myself over this period in what I can do. I’m more independent and confident in speaking to people generally. I’ve had to mature as a person to fit the role.”

Milly’s journey into engineering began early, having selected the subject as a GCSE at All Saints school in Ingleby Barwick, while her friends chose something else.

She said: "All my life, I’ve been friends with only girls, so coming into a place where I was the only girl in the project department was strange initially, even though I was the only girl studying engineering at school and college.

“Even when I go to work on-site, I find I’m still the only girl around, but it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female here at Durata, it’s just about being part of the team.”

The Redcar College Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by the William Turner Foundation, was presented by Rob Leishman, Clean Energy Education Hub Manager and Curriculum Manager for Construction, Engineering & Service Industries, alongside the Mayor of Redcar.

And Rob praised Milly’s exceptional qualities when he announced her as the winner.

He said: “Throughout the programme, she was recognised for her constant effort and hard work. This learner’s approach to their apprenticeship has been one of constant dedication, with all targets met and standards exceeding.

“She has shown a constant commitment to personal and professional development, and high quality delivered in a workplace. Challenges are also willingly embraced.”

Milly aims to further develop her technological knowledge with plans to pursue a part-time degree or an HND, while her success stands as a beacon for young women considering a career in engineering at Durata and beyond.

*For further information about Durata and future opportunities visit duratauk.com