The Xtrac annual award presentation took place on Wednesday 4th March 2026, opening with the Apprentice of the Year Award, presented in memory of Darren Huttel, a much‑loved former employee who passed away suddenly in September 2005.

Open to all current Xtrac apprentices, the award recognises individuals who demonstrate excellence in their college work, workplace performance, and professional conduct.

The 2025 Apprentice of the Year is Sam Dumbleton, honoured for his exceptional academic record, consistently achieving Distinction‑level results while broadening his qualifications to support wider quality responsibilities. Sam’s professionalism, maturity, and initiative have seen him confidently represent Xtrac externally and take ownership of urgent technical challenges with precision. As a mentor and STEM advocate, he supports apprentices, assists work‑experience students, and contributes to engineering outreach. Recently promoted to Quality Engineer, Sam is already performing beyond typical apprenticeship expectations. His humility, dedication, and collaborative spirit reflect the values celebrated by the award, making him an outstanding ambassador for Xtrac.

The runner‑up, Oscar Morgan, has demonstrated strong technical development, progressing from manual turning to CNC work while consistently delivering high‑quality results. Adaptable, quick to learn, and proactive in seeking improvements, Oscar brings a positive influence to the workshop. He also supports fellow apprentices, sharing his knowledge and assisting with documentation, qualities that exemplify the spirit of the award.

Congratulations to Sam and Oscar on their well‑deserved recognition, and thank you to all Xtrac apprentices for their continued hard work and contribution to the company’s success.