Airmaster apprentice shortlisted for prestigious Made in Sheffield Award
Airmaster, a leading specialist in HVAC design, installation and maintenance, is proud to announce that Design Apprentice Max Brough has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Made in Sheffield Awards 2026.
Organised by Insider Media, the Made in Sheffield Awards celebrate excellence across the region’s manufacturing sector, recognising outstanding businesses and individuals. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield, on 7 May 2026.
Max’s shortlisting recognises not only his technical development, but his outstanding progression through Airmaster’s apprenticeship pathway. Having initially joined the business in a site-based engineering role, Max proactively transitioned into design and has since progressed onto a degree apprenticeship at University Centre Rotherham, where he is currently studying towards a Level 5 HND.
In his role within Airmaster’s design team, Max has rapidly developed from supporting AutoCAD tasks to independently delivering thermal modelling, design calculations and client-facing project work. He now communicates directly with clients, suppliers and subcontractors, attends site meetings as a representative of the business, and plays a key role in supporting project delivery across a wide range of sectors.
A standout aspect of Max’s contribution is his forward-thinking approach to innovation and sustainability. He has helped introduce more efficient internal processes, including the use of AI tools in design workflows and improvements to refrigerant tracking and carbon monitoring. Alongside this, he actively supports Airmaster’s sustainability ambitions and contributes to its Supply Chain Sustainability School Gold status.
Max is also a strong ambassador for engineering careers. Through his involvement in STEM outreach initiatives such as Get Up to Speed, he engages with young people to promote apprenticeships and careers in the industry, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers.
Lisa Pogson, Managing Director of Airmaster, commented: “Max’s shortlisting for the Made in Sheffield Awards is a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved. His progression from site-based apprentice to degree-level study, alongside the impact he is already making in our design team, is exceptional. He represents everything we look for in future engineering talent – curiosity, drive, and a willingness to innovate. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and excited to see how his career continues to develop.”
Airmaster has a long-standing commitment to developing talent through apprenticeships, with a proven track record of nurturing individuals into senior roles within the business. Max’s journey reflects the strength of this approach, combining hands-on experience with academic development to build well-rounded engineering professionals.
Max Brough added: “I’m really proud to be shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year. My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to explore different areas of the industry and find where I can make the biggest impact. Progressing onto a degree apprenticeship while gaining real project experience has been hugely valuable, and I’m grateful for the support from the team at Airmaster.”
The Apprentice of the Year category recognises individuals who are enrolled in a formal apprenticeship or vocational degree programme and have made a significant contribution to their business over the past 12 months. Max’s technical ability, proactive mindset and commitment to continuous learning set him apart as a deserving finalist.