Recognising potential, celebrating purpose: ALFED launches the 2026 ALFED Rising Star Apprentice Award

The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) are proud to announce the launch of the 2026 Rising Star Apprentice Award, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating the people shaping the future of the UK aluminium industry.

The award sits within the wider ALFED Awards, which were created to shine a light on the individuals and organisations driving the sector forward, from apprentices demonstrating exceptional promise, to businesses creating genuine social impact, and leaders whose careers have helped define the modern aluminium landscape. At their heart, the Awards recognise not just excellence, but the shared values, collaboration and sense of purpose that underpin the aluminium community.

Sapphire Headline Awards Sponsor: BOAL Extrusion UK

The 2026 ALFED Awards are proudly supported by our Sapphire Headline Awards Sponsor, BOAL Extrusion UK, a leading UK manufacturer specialising in the design, extrusion, machining and finishing of custom aluminium profiles entirely made in the UK. With more than 35 years of industry experience, BOAL Extrusion UK serves a wide range of sectors including construction, solar energy, transport and electrical applications, and is committed to quality, sustainability and local “design-to-delivery” expertise.

As sapphire headline awards sponsor, BOAL Extrusion UK plays a key role in helping ALFED spotlight excellence across the industry and support the next generation of talent. Its long-standing commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability reflects the spirit of the Awards and the values shared across the aluminium community.

“BOAL is proud to support the ALFED Awards as Sapphire Sponsor – recognising the innovation, collaboration and new talent that continue to drive our industry forward. Our commitment also extends to enabling a lower carbon Annual Dinner in 2026, reflecting not a one off initiative but the way we operate, lead and engage with the aluminium community.” — Emma Swann, Managing Director, BOAL Extrusion UK.

Celebrating emerging talent

Designed to spotlight emerging talent early in their careers, the Rising Star Apprentice Award recognises apprentices who are already making a tangible impact in their organisations. It celebrates technical ability, commercial awareness and leadership potential, while championing apprenticeships as a vital pathway into a sector increasingly shaped by innovation, sustainability and advanced skills.

At the 2025 ALFED Awards, the Rising Star Apprentice title was presented to Yongzhi Luo of Primetals Technologies, whose passion for engineering and innovation has already seen him contribute to prototype development and lead international projects within his first few years in industry.

Reflecting on the recognition, Yongzhi said: “While I’m proud of what the Rising Star Apprentice Award represents, it’s really a recognition of potential. My journey in the aluminium industry is still just beginning, and there’s a lot more to learn and contribute.”

The depth of emerging talent across the sector was further highlighted by a strong group of runners-up, including Alicia Stevens (Bridgnorth Aluminium), Joseph Collins (Hydro Wrexham), Jennie Wheeldon (Amari Metals) and Francis Briggs (ALTEK), each demonstrating the strength and diversity of the UK aluminium talent pipeline.

A community united in purpose

Reflecting on the wider purpose of the Awards, Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, said: “The ALFED Awards are more than just trophies – they’re a reflection of who we are as a community. They showcase innovation, leadership and integrity, and celebrate the people who make our industry so special. Each winner and finalist demonstrates the strength, creativity and collaboration that define the UK aluminium sector.”

That sense of shared purpose was echoed by Sophie Allen, Membership Executive at ALFED, following last year’s ceremony: “What we saw was a true celebration of people and purpose. Our members are leading from the front – supporting local communities, developing new skills, and driving sustainability. The Awards are an opportunity to stop and recognise that, and to inspire others to do the same.”

Call for nominations

With nominations now open for the 2026 Rising Star Apprentice Award, ALFED is calling on its members to put forward apprentices who are making a difference and represent the future of the industry.

ALFED members are encouraged to submit their nominations by Friday 3^rd July 2026. To access the application form, please visit: https://alfed.org.uk/alfed-awards/

To learn more about ALFED, or to become a member, please visit www.alfed.org.uk.

This article was originally published by ALFED.