An apprentice working for Hydro has won an award at the Manufacturing Awards 2022.

Hydro has facilities in both Gloucester and Cheltenham and, with more than 300 employees in the county, was recently ranked number 51 in Punchline-Gloucester.com's top 100 employers.

Erika Curnow, health, safety and environmental apprentice technician from the company's Bedwas site in Caerphilly in Wales won the Business Apprentice Rising Star award at the awards, which honour the achievements of businesses across Wales.

Erika Curnow said: "I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Hydro, especially my manager Michael Vernall, for giving me the opportunity to exceed in doing what I love. Health and safety is a passion of mine and I am grateful that this is being recognised internally within Hydro and externally.

"I have never worked in a manufacturing industry before and, being a woman, it does come with its challenges, but I enjoy learning and overcoming any obstacles that may come my way throughout my career. I am looking forward to my future in Hydro and cannot wait to progress."

Mark West, managing director of Hydro at Bedwas, said: "It's fantastic for Erika and the site to gain this recognition for the work we're doing and supporting Erika's development with the help of Michael. This in turn will build a foundation for a long-lasting career and to drive the business forward at a high level."

Erika will now go forward to the UK finals in London in January.

Hydro also employs apprentices at its Gloucestershire sites and is looking to increase its apprenticeship intake for 2023.