The company received the Contribution to Skills & Training award for its partnership with the University of Sheffield, alongside the Rising Star Award awarded to Luke Norris, Apprentice to Engineer Level III.
The Pump Industry Awards are a well-established event in the U.K.’s rotating equipment sector, recognising excellence across innovation, engineering and people development. These wins reinforce John Crane’s continued investment in building the skills needed to support critical industries and the global energy transition.
The award-winning partnership with the University of Sheffield focuses on combining academic learning with practical, real-world engineering experience. Through structured programmes, collaborative projects and industry exposure, the initiative is helping to equip early-career engineers with the technical and commercial skills required to succeed in complex operating environments.
Luke Norris’s recognition as Rising Star reflects his progression from apprentice to engineer, demonstrating both technical capability and a strong commitment to continuous development. His journey highlights the value of hands-on experience, mentoring and structured learning pathways within John Crane’s apprenticeship programmes.
Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane, said: “These awards are a strong endorsement of our commitment to developing engineering talent and investing in the future of our industry. Through partnerships like the one we have with the University of Sheffield, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers to gain real-world experience and build the skills needed to solve complex challenges.
Luke’s achievement is a great example of what can be accomplished through dedication, curiosity and the right support. It reflects not only his individual efforts, but also the strength of the development programmes and mentorship across our organisation.”
John Crane continues to invest in early-career development, training, and knowledge sharing as part of its broader commitment to engineering excellence and to supporting customers across the energy and process industries.
About John Crane
John Crane is a global leader in flow control technologies and an innovator in solutions for rotating equipment in the energy and process industries. Our portfolio spans mechanical seals, couplings and filtration systems, supported by advanced service solutions and digital diagnostics. With over 200 service, sales and manufacturing centres across 50 countries, John Crane is an integral pillar of Smiths Group plc, a FTSE 100 industrial technology company dedicated to engineering a better future.
Learn more at www.johncrane.com.