Chartered Engineer and STEM ambassador Alexia Williams has been awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire in the June King’s Honours. Alexia studied a degree apprenticeship in Aerospace Engineering (Manufacturing) at UWE Bristol, graduating in 2022. She works at Rolls-Royce in Bristol, as a Technical Lead.
“This recognition reinforces my belief in the transformative power of apprenticeships and the important role universities such as UWE Bristol play in developing future leaders”, said Alexia.
At just 25, Alexia became one of only twelve women ever to achieve Chartered Engineer status. Driven to shape a more inclusive and accessible future for technical education, Alexia is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and is dedicated to inspiring women into STEM careers. Her MBE recognises her dedication and service to Education and Skills.
For Alexia to have achieved so much at just 26 years old is outstanding – just 2% of people awarded honours are under 30 years old. She explains how her apprenticeship played a crucial role in her journey:
“My degree apprenticeship at UWE Bristol played a pivotal role in my development, providing the academic foundation, practical experience and confidence to apply engineering knowledge to real-world challenges from the very start of my career.”
Five alumni honoured
In total five alumni have been recognised in the June 2026 King’s Birthday honours list. We celebrate their incredible dedication to their work in Education and Skills, Equity and Representation, the Animation Industry, the Creative Industries, Charity and the city of Bristol itself.
Sir David Sproxton CBE
Co-Founder and Trustee of Aardman Animations, David Spoxton has been awarded a Knighthood for services to the Animation Industry, the Creative Industries and to Charity.
David was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Art by UWE Bristol in 1995.
Find out more about Sir David Sproxton CBE on LinkedIn.
Sir Peter Lord CBE
Co-Founder and Trustee of Aardman Animations, Peter Lord has been awarded a Knighthood for services to the Animation Industry, the Creative Industries and to Charity.
Peter was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Design by UWE Bristol in 1995.
Find out more about Sir Peter Lord CBE on LinkedIn.
Heather Frankham DL, MBE
Founder of Bud Systems and Chair and Non-Executive Director of numerous businesses and charities, Heather has been awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Education and Skills.
Heather studied BEd(Hons) Maths (Primary Education) at UWE Bristol in 1991.
Find out more about Heather Frankham on LinkedIn.
Sandra Gordon MBE
Director of Bristol Women in Business Charter, Sandra Gordon was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Equity, Representation and to the community in Bristol.
Sandra studied Diploma in Management Studies at UWE Bristol in 1994.
Find out more about Sandra Gordon on LinkedIn.
Alexia Williams MBE
Chartered Engineer Alexia Williams was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Education and Skills.
Alexia studied BEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Manufacturing) Apprentice route in 2022.
Hear from her on our podcast panel celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, discussing belonging, opportunity and change for women in engineering.
Find out more about Alexia Williams MBE on LinkedIn
Thanks to these outstanding individuals, the lives of others have been made better. We’re proud of their extraordinary achievements and contribution to public life.
Note:
Please let us know if we’ve missed someone who has been recognised in the 2026 Kings Birthday honours list and is a UWE Bristol alum or member of staff. The team can be contacted at alumni@uwe.ac.uk.
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