Alvance British Aluminium has been recognised at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards, reaching the national finals in the Developing Future Talent category after being named regional winner for the North West, on Thursday 29 January 2026 at Madame Tussauds in London.

(L-R) Tom Uppington, Managing Director, Colleen MacLean, Communications Lead, Jane MacDonald, Head of Operational Excellence, James Tangney, Business Development Manager, Lesley Shearer, HR Director, Morgan McConnell, HSEQ Manager, Phil Bedford, Finance Director

(L-R) Phil Bedford, Finance Director, Colleen MacLean, Communications Lead, Former Managing Director, Brian King, Morgan McConnell, HSEQ Manager, Jane MacDonald, Head of Operational Excellence, James Tangney, Business Development Manager, Bob Forsyth, Non-Executive Director, Make UK, Tom Uppington, Managing Director, Lesley Shearer, HR Director

The recognition highlights the company’s long-standing focus on giving people the skills, confidence and support to build lasting careers in manufacturing, right here in Lochaber. 

For generations, the Lochaber Smelter has been a place where people learn their trade, grow their experience and stay in the area to work and raise families. Today, more than one in five employees started out as apprentices, many of whom now work as engineers, supervisors and managers across smelting, hydropower and Jahama Highland Estates. 

The judges’ decision reflects the everyday effort made by colleagues who take time to mentor, coach and encourage young people entering the industry. This recognition belongs as much to them as it does to the business. 

In recent years, that commitment has been brought together through ‘Your Future Career in Lochaber’, an initiative launched in 2023 by Alvance British Aluminium to help young people understand what modern manufacturing looks like and the range of careers available locally. Through site visits, school engagement and an annual careers event, students and families can see first-hand how aluminium is produced using renewable hydropower and how apprentices play a central role across the site. 

The programme has helped increase interest in apprenticeships to see it as a ‘plan A route’ and encouraged more local candidates to stay in the area to train and work. It has also led to closer collaboration with neighbouring employers who share the same ambition to strengthen skills and opportunity across the region. 

Latest school leaver destination data shows a clear shift in Lochaber, with nearly half of pupils moving straight into employment in 2023/24. This figure is higher than both the Highland area and Scotland as a whole, reflecting growing confidence in local jobs and the critical role apprenticeships and skills development play in shaping young people’s futures. 

Tom Uppington, Managing Director of Alvance British Aluminium, said: 

“This is a proud moment for our whole team to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. Our apprenticeships have shaped generations of people here, and many of our colleagues are second or third generation.
That sense of continuity matters. It comes from people taking the time to pass on their knowledge and look out for those coming through. This award is a reflection of that.  

Developing talent isn’t about one-off programmes or events, it’s about the culture you create day to day. Our colleagues take real pride in helping others find their feet and build confidence in what they can achieve here.” 

As the UK’s only remaining primary aluminium smelter, Alvance British Aluminium supplies low-carbon aluminium produced using renewable hydropower. Alongside its role in the national manufacturing supply chain, developing people remains central to securing the site’s future. 

Delivered in collaboration with local businesses BSW Timber, Ferguson Transport & Shipping and educational partner UHI Inverness, the next ‘Your Future Career in Lochaber’ event will take place at the Lochaber Smelter on Wednesday 4 March 2026, from 15:00 to 18:00. The ticketed event will offer a rare opportunity to go inside the factory, explore apprenticeship opportunities and discover the wide range of career pathways available across the site. Tickets are limited and early booking is encouraged.