Hats off to career focussed, Adam Kennedy, at South Tyneside based, HLA Services, who has successfully put his mechanical engineering skills to the test.

21-year-old, junior mechanical engineering project manager, Adam, from Prudhoe, embarked on a two-year part time Building Services Engineering Degree via Northumbria University and has been rewarded with a distinction.

Adam, joined the 100-plus team as an apprentice in 2018 and is one of a number of employees who is furthering his career in the business, thanks to the progression plans put in place by the management team.

HLA Services works across numerous sectors including construction, manufacturing, retail, education and hospitality and is one of the North’s leading mechanical, air conditioning, climate systems and temperature control specialists. Customers include Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham Universities, Hays Travel, Caterpillar UK and Durham Cricket club.

Headquartered in South Tyneside, the company also has satellite offices in Teesside, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

Adam, said: “When I joined the company as an apprentice the mechanical services division appealed to me. HLA Services offers progression routes within its specialist divisions and I jumped at the opportunity to further my skills.

“Within the space of just under two years, fresh out of college as an apprentice, I am now a qualified junior mechanical engineering project manager, working as part of a team of six within the mechanical services division, under the supervision of a line manager.

“Whilst studying for the foundation degree, I was able to combine classroom learning with live projects and had the help of experts within the office to turn to when I needed extra advice. As I continue to monitor and develop my skillset, I am looking forward to advancing my career within the company.”

Director, Paul Smith, HLA Services, said: “We were very keen for Adam to advance his learning. It shows that he has confidence in his ability and the initiative, at a young age, to progress further in his career.

“Many of the team began their journey as apprentices and we are keen to develop a workforce of the future which has the necessary skills to take the company forward.

“We take great pride in the team and have employees who have worked with us for 15 years from when they were teenage apprentices and are now on their way to become senior engineers supervising the next generation of workers. It is very rewarding to see their commitment.”