SERC Student named IT Apprentice of the Year at National Awards

A SERC student has been named IT Apprentice of the Year at this year’s UK IT Awards, held earlier this month at Battersea Evolution in London.

Tiarnan Crosbie (21), from Dunmurry,  a Higher Level Apprentice in Mechatronic Engineering (validated by Ulster University) at SERC’s Bangor Campus, and employed by Hamilton Robson, beat off competition from organisations including the Bank of England and IBM.

The UK IT Awards celebrate the people, projects, and organisations that are shaping the future of technology across the UK. Chaired by British Computing Society, the Awards involve a rigorous assessment process, including an interview with a judging panel of industry professionals.

Aine McGreeghan, Principal Lecturer, School of Engineering & Science at SERC said, “We are delighted to hear about Tiarnan’s Award.   He has progressed from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering-Advanced Electronics to the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics with SERC.  This UK IT Award is a fitting reward for his hard work, knowledge, skills and dedication.”

In addition to Tiarnan’s win, Hamilton Robson’s innovative Story Engine product was highly commended for Mobile Innovation of the Year, and engineer Jake Young was shortlisted in the ‘Rising Star’ category.

Luke McNeice, Head of Software Engineering at Hamilton Robson, said, “It’s been another successful year for us, represented at the highest standard in the software industry. These Awards are a testament to the creativity, talent, and hard work of our team.

“Tiarnan’s achievement recognises his dedication, technical ability, and positive impact on both projects and culture at Hamilton Robson. It highlights the value of investing in young people and our entry level strategy focused on developing talent.”

Above: Tiarnan Crosbie (right) with comedian Hugh Dennis who presented his IT Apprentice of the Year Award at the UK IT Awards.