A Stevenage business apprentice has earned a national award at the Best of British Engineering Semta Skills Awards ceremony in London.

Daniella Distazio, who is a fourth year business apprentice with missile company MBDA in Stevenage, won the National Higher Apprentice of the Year 2014.

Danielle said: “When I realised I had I won, I was overjoyed. To win the award for the National Higher Apprentice of the Year 2014, especially being up against such talented young apprentices, is fantastic. It was an excellent evening by Semta, highlighting the achievements by men and women from all these sectors and means this award is even more special for me.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I have had on my apprentice scheme in order to get where I am and hope I can help inspire people to consider apprenticeships when thinking about their own career opportunities.”

The ceremony was hosted by TV presenter Michael Underwood, with a keynote speech from Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable MP.

Altogether there were 22 finalists – individuals, employers and training providers – in competition across eight categories. Each of the winners was recognised for their talent, innovation, commitment and enthusiasm.

The finalists were from companies such as BAE Systems, Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota, Marshalls Aerospace, Siemens, EAL, Rolls Royce and Atkins who provided tough competition in every category.

Keith Garden, deputy managing director for MBDA said: “What a fantastic result. When you look at the companies our apprentices were competing against, it reads like a roll call of some of the finest in British engineering and manufacturing.

“We believe MBDA attracts and recruits the best of the talent out there and this win for Daniella is proof that we are doing just that. She has come on through on our business apprentice scheme and has been doing a fantastic job as part of our supply chain team but seeing her getting this national recognition for her individual effort is hugely satisfying for all of us at our Stevenage site.

“I believe young women like Daniella are an inspiration for the home team back at MBDA and it also shows what you can achieve on an apprenticeship programme such as ours. ”