Adam Cann has been announced as a finalist for the Learning, Skills and Development Award at the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, sponsored by Keele University.

Adam completed a Level 6 Embedded Electronic Systems apprenticeship at the University of Staffordshire, graduating with a First Class BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Within a year he was promoted to Senior Hardware Engineer at Capula’s Stone office, taking on project leadership responsibilities and standing in for the lead engineer during absences.

Alongside his own technical work on protection and control projects for national critical infrastructure clients, Adam mentors four apprentices simultaneously, each at a different stage of their development. He has contributed to careers fairs, school visits and apprenticeship open days, and assisted with feedback during an Ofsted inspection. His oversight of electrical safety across the company’s test platforms contributed to a zero-incident year, recognised explicitly in his performance review.

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Adam’s trajectory from apprentice to Senior Hardware Engineer in the space of a year tells you everything about the quality of this individual. What makes him stand out further is that he is already giving back, mentoring four apprentices of his own while delivering on complex national infrastructure projects. First class degree, zero-incident safety record, four mentees. He is an exceptional finalist.”

The winners will be revealed at a gala awards ceremony at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday 9 July 2026, followed by The After Party, a late-night celebration for finalists, winners and partners.

To find out more about the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, visit staffordshirechambers.co.uk/awards.