Oxford News
Culham apprentice named Advanced Apprentice of the Year
Thomas Dominguez Walker, an assistant cybernetics engineer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) in Abingdon, won the honour at the 18th Nuclear Skills Awards.
The ceremony, which took place in Manchester on March 12, celebrates talent across the UK nuclear sector.
Mr Dominguez Walker was recognised for his technical ability, positive attitude, and work ethic during his Level 3 apprenticeship.
He said: “At the end of my apprenticeship, I was nominated by my group leader for the NSAN Advanced Apprentice of the Year.
“I’m proud to have that recognition, and being selected is genuinely exciting and a fantastic opportunity.
“Getting to this stage takes sustained dedication, developing technical capability and building the soft skills that make projects and collaboration succeed.”
During his apprenticeship, he contributed to the Robotics and AI Collaboration (RAICo), which is accelerating the deployment of robotics and artificial intelligence in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
He also supported research and development projects focused on developing solutions to robotics and AI challenges.
Mr Dominguez Walker added: “For me, that’s meant commitment to my apprenticeship studies, delivering on UKAEA and RAICo projects, and actively supporting others.
“My qualifications have been challenging and rewarding, giving me recognised qualifications and practical experience.
“I hope winning the award encourages others to consider an engineering apprenticeship and see what they can do.”
His training included 18 months of three-month placements across UKAEA, and a further 18-month placement at RACE, UKAEA’s centre for Remote Applications in Challenging Environments.
He spent a year working directly with RAICo.
James Ferrand, principal engineer and group leader at UKAEA, said: “Thomas has been an absolute pleasure to work with and manage over the last few years.
“He has really impressed me and built a fantastic reputation for his attitude to work.
“He has been excellent in picking up new technologies, striving to learn more both about the technology and where his work fits into the wider picture.
“I personally hold him as an example of the perfect apprentice for others to strive towards.
“Many congratulations, Thomas.”
During his apprenticeship, Mr Dominguez Walker earned a Higher National Certificate – a qualification equivalent to the first year of a university degree – achieving distinctions throughout.
Now employed full-time at Culham, he continues to work on RAICo projects.
He also volunteers at events promoting apprenticeships and engineering careers.
The Nuclear Skills Awards are organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN) and Cogent Skills.
They showcase the excellence and achievements of individuals and companies across the nuclear sector.
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
READ MORE: Reports of ‘petrol bombs’ at Oxford University museum spark big police response
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
The scheme, which took effect on August 28, includes a wide range of furniture and home essentials.
In a statement, IKEA said: “From much-loved favourites to everyday essentials, customers can discover New Lower Prices both online and in-store, helping make it easier to create a home you love, whatever your budget.”
Among the discounted items is the KALLAX shelving unit, soon to be available for £49—down 18% from £60.
The HEMNES daybed, which functions as a sofa, single bed, double bed, and storage unit, will be reduced by 15% from £329 to £279.
In addition to these savings, IKEA is offering more than 1,000 exclusive in-store-only prices with discounts up to 25%.
The company said: “In time for cosy season, in stores nationwide, IKEA is also offering 20% off throws, bedspreads, candles, floor and table lamps, plus selected rugs, thermal curtains, seasonal duvets and cookware, from 7th September to 1st November nationwide.”
The history of IKEA
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad when he was just 17 years old.
Originally, the company sold small goods such as pens and wallets, but in 1948, Kamprad expanded into furniture.
This was facilitated by Ingvar’s father, who gave him a small sum of money for doing well in school, which he used to set up a company.
In 1953, the company adopted flatpack furniture, solving costly transportation problems.
IKEA grew steadily throughout the 1950s in Sweden, before expanding into Denmark and Norway in the 1960s.
By the 1970s, the brand had entered markets in Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The first UK store opened in Warrington in 1987, marking the start of IKEA’s growth in the British market.
Today, IKEA employs nearly 12,000 people across its 22 UK locations.
Have you bought items from IKEA before? Let us know in the comments.
Thames Valley Police has released CCTV footage of Juan Carlos Clarke, who the force launched a manhunt for just under a week ago,
The 34-year-old is wanted on recall to prison with the photo showing Mr Clarke in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday, August 27.
READ MORE: Manhunt launched after ‘sexual assault’ at Oxford shopping centre
A spokesperson for the police said: “We are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to trace Juan Carlos Clarke, who is wanted on recall to prison.
“We are now releasing a recent CCTV image of Juan, taken in Cornmarket, Oxford, at around 1.10pm on Thursday 27 August.
“Please note that he has recently shaved his hair and may look different from previous images circulated.”
Police reiterated other defining characteristics about him, describing him as being of medium build and having a full beard, as well as a broken or missing lower tooth and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
They warned that anyone who sees him, should not approach him.
The spokesperson added: “Juan is described as being 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build and with a full beard.
“He has a broken or missing lower tooth, a scar on his left forearm and a tattoo of two eyes in the centre of his back.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
“He is known to frequent Oxford city centre, Cowley, Jericho, the Oxford canal towpaths, and has connections to Banbury.
“Do not approach him. If you see Juan, call 999 immediately, quoting reference 43260436595.
“Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 101 or report online, quoting the same reference.”
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