Young engineer Adam has his name written in the stars

7th February 2012

A student who operates a £2.

2m machine creating parts for the aerospace industry has proved the sky is the limit by being named Young Engineer Of The Year. Adam Kelsey, 23, is studying for a degree in Mechanical and Computer Aided Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, and won the title at the Manufacturing Technology Association awards. And Adam, who works for Joseph Rhodes Group in Wakefield while studying, also won the AMTRI Scholarship, a cash fund to promote excellence in engineering manufacturing. It means he will receive financial support to further his education. Adam is the lead design engineer and project manager for the production of a 1,200 tonne superplastic forming and diffusion bonding press which will eventually be supplied to a Chinese aerospace company. The press manufactures high-spec components for aeroplanes. Adam said: "My employer has an excellent relationship with Sheffield Hallam and this has enabled me to continue my studies and enhance my career at the same time. It's fantastic to be recognised and I'm thrilled to receive this award." Dr Martin Howarth, head of the department of engineering and mathematics at Sheffield Hallam, said: "We have collaborated with Joseph Rhodes over a number of years. The course enables employees such as Adam to study in higher education while continuing to make valuable contributions to their employer. "We are delighted that the department is able to contribute to the company in such a successful way, and that its employees and particularly Adam are achieving such high accolades." Adam joined Joseph Rhodes in August 2007, as a junior design engineer. He has since completed an OND in Mechanical Engineering (Distinction) and is currently in his third year of a B.Eng Honours degree. Adam's mentor, Peter Anderton, said, -It is unusual to place such an important position on someone so young but Adam has displayed outstanding technical and design abilities."