A local training company is celebrating the achievements of one of their star apprentices.

David Ogle, an apprenticeship student from Tyneside Training Services Limited (TTS) has been declared the Motor Vehicle apprentice of the year by learning partnership UXL. The 18 year old apprentice received the accolade to honour his commitment to the course, his work ethic and his willingness to learn.

The annual UXL Newcastle Learning Achievement awards honour those who excel at work based training.

TTS, based at Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne offer Motor Vehicle apprenticeships to people across the region. Managing director Allan McNaught said, “We are extremely proud that one of our apprentices has won this award. David really does deserve it for the dedication he has put into his apprenticeship and to beat off the stiff competition in that room was clearly testament to the tenacity and determination he has showed throughout.”

Apprenticeships combine learning with hands-on experience in the skill they are studying. They practice their trade in a real working environment and learn further skills at a training provider, such as TTS.

“Apprenticeship’s are as vital now as they have ever been and in some case even more so, after all trades like the ones we offer, will always be needed. With the state of the economy as it is, many of those who practice a trade are thriving. People are not buying new cars but preferring to look after their existing vehicles and placing greater emphasis on servicing and maintenance” said Allan

David has been learning his skills at TTS then putting them into practice at Blyth Service Station. Of his achievement, David told us, “The award means a lot to me, as its something else to put on my CV. It will hopefully make me stand out a bit more to other companies in the future.  What I have learnt at TTS has been invaluable to me and I would like to thank everyone there for the help that they have given me.”

For many young people, an apprenticeship is a great pathway into a skilled job. A-Levels aren’t for everyone, as David explains, “I was more interested in getting a real set of skills and a qualification. You also get paid to do an apprenticeship, which is a big advantage.”

There are many advantages for a company to take on an apprentice, “Hiring new people is always a risk, but by training someone from the beginning, you ensure they’re working to your companies satisfaction,” Allan explained. “We’re seeing an increase in companies taking on apprentices at TTS. Not only are apprentices cost-effective for local businesses, but training an apprentice can be rewarding. Having had great reports from companies, such as the one David is working for; we knew that many of the business who take them on are seeing the benefits in hiring an apprentice.”