We are incredibly proud to share that Dave Bradbury, one of the longest-serving and most cherished members of the Elevated Knowledge team, has been recognised as ‘Unsung Hero of the Year’ at the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN) Skills Awards.
With a career in engineering spanning nearly 70 years, and more than 47 years dedicated to shaping apprenticeships, Dave is truly the heart of our organisation and a legend in the training industry. From mentoring over 3,000 apprentices to supporting more than 12,000 learners across Greater Manchester, his influence is impossible to quantify—but it’s clear his impact stretches across generations.
A Lifetime of Dedication
Dave’s journey into engineering apprenticeships began back in 1978, and from day one, he has shown an unwavering commitment to helping young people succeed. His mission has always been simple: to ensure every apprentice is given the very best start in their career, no matter how much time, effort, or personal sacrifice it takes.
For years, Dave gave up his Fridays and Saturdays to interview and assess young people, determined to help the right candidates find their path into engineering. But his contributions go far beyond the training centre. Dave has also played a key role in shaping national apprenticeship standards—including the development of the VBRA Body Building Apprenticeship Qualification—and has worked alongside industry bodies such as the Engineering Industry Training Board (EITB) to ensure qualifications meet the highest standards.
Even now, well into his 80s, Dave continues to support apprentices, employers, and colleagues with the same energy, passion, and sharp sense of humour he has always brought to the role. His knowledge, integrity, and kindness make him one of the most respected figures in our industry.
Humble as Ever
In true Dave fashion, his reaction to winning the award was modest:
“Although it is an honour to receive this, I don’t understand why I have won an award, I am simply doing my job.”
For those who know Dave, this humility comes as no surprise. He has never sought recognition; for him, apprenticeships have always been about people—not business, not accolades, but giving others the opportunity to succeed.
A Proud Moment for Elevated Knowledge
Mark Field, our Accounts Director, who has worked alongside Dave for nearly three decades, shared his thoughts on this well-deserved recognition:
“I have worked alongside Dave for the past 27 years and I was so proud to be able to be at the GMLPN Skills Awards to see him get the recognition he deserves. The dedication he has had to not just his own apprentices, but the training industry as a whole, is second to none and I look forward to continuing that dedication for as long as he will put up with us! Well done Dave.”
Dave’s impact is not only felt within Elevated Knowledge but across hundreds of companies and thousands of careers throughout Greater Manchester. Many of the apprentices he once mentored now hold senior positions, run their own businesses, or return to the centre to pass on the wisdom they once received from him.
Beyond Engineering
Dave’s generosity and resilience extend beyond his professional life. Following a serious illness, Dave completed a 14-mile charity walk to raise funds for the Ticker Club at Wythenshawe Hospital, further demonstrating the determination, selflessness, and compassion that have defined his life and career.
A True Unsung Hero
We are honoured to work alongside someone who doesn’t just teach engineering—he inspires it. Dave Bradbury’s legacy is written in the success of every apprentice he has supported, every employer he has advised, and every colleague he has mentored.
From all of us at Elevated Knowledge:
Congratulations, Dave—you are no longer an unsung hero, but a celebrated one.
