The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) has launched an awards scheme to celebrate success in engineering-based manufacturing. The Manufacturing Industry Awards will be run in collaboration with other trade associations, including the British Gear Association and the Engineering Industries Association.

There are five awards categories, including: young engineer of the year; best training scheme; and drive for sustainable manufacturing. Shortlisted entries will be judged by the public using an online voting system, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 9 March 2011.

There is also a scholarship award with a £10,000 fund intended to promote excellence in machinery development and engineering manufacturing. It will be open to professional and graduate engineers undertaking Continuous Professional Development, and is intended to encourage co-operation between industry and the higher education sector.

Entries must be submitted via a dedicated Web site with a closing date of 15 January 2011.