• Three individuals awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year 2018’; Bradley Marshall, Kieren Cheung and Liam Morris.
• Apprenticeships recognised as vital for addressing skills shortage and future prosperity.

Thatcham Research held its annual apprentice graduation and award ceremony yesterday at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The event, which formed part of ABP’s Body Repair Industry Apprentice Awards (BRIIA), saw over 150 apprentices, their families and employers come together to recognise the achievements, hard work and commitment of those graduating.

Three graduates were honoured as ‘Apprentice of the Year for 2018’ in the panel, paint and M.E.T. disciplines; Bradley Marshall, of Nationwide Crash Repair Centre, and Kieren Cheung and Liam Morris, both of Solus Accident Repair Centres, respectively.

Commenting on the awards, Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research, said: “All of the apprentices graduating deserve recognition for their hard work, especially the three award winners, who are shining examples of how young people can achieve outstanding results through an apprenticeship. We congratulate them all and wish them the very best as they progress in their careers.

"The talent emerging today is clear evidence that despite the recent changes, apprenticeships remain the most effective way for our industry to help alleviate the skills shortage. It is vital that we don’t let the current confusion surrounding apprenticeship funding prevent us from making the most of this mechanism, even more so when you consider that the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicts that the UK economy is set to gain around £100 billion through apprentice recruitment by 2050.”

Over 1,500 apprentices have trained at Thatcham Research’s state-of-the-art Automotive Academy since 2004. Thatcham Research’s new apprentice intake starts in September 2018, with spaces available in paint, panel and M.E.T. disciplines. Instructor-led training takes place over eight one-week blocks supported by online digital training material and face-to face assessor visits and surgeries.

Call 01635 293174 or email customerservices@thatcham.org for more information and advice on apprenticeships.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

References: The Accountant – 2050 and the future of apprenticeships.

http://www.theaccountant-online.com/comments/2050-and-the-future-of-apprenticeships-4526749