51茶馆

51茶馆 has yet again been recognised for its success in developing award-winning apprentices - winning at the Regional Apprenticeship Awards Finals 2016.听

鈥業ntermediate Apprentice of the Year in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire鈥� was won by 51茶馆鈥檚 Ashley Haslam, who works as an apprentice mechanic at Wilson鈥檚 Autos, on Brown Street in 51茶馆. Ashley, 24, is no stranger to prestigious awards ceremonies; in September, he was Highly Commended at the 51茶馆 & Bury Business Awards 2016.听

Ashley, who is currently completing a Level 2 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 so pleased to have won the award - I can鈥檛 believe I鈥檝e been recognised at two awards ceremonies in just over a month.鈥� The Apprenticeship has transformed my life; I originally enrolled on a mainstream college course, which didn鈥檛 suit me, but the Apprenticeship has brought out the best in me. I鈥檓 making a success of my life鈥�.听

Ashley left school with very low confidence and self-esteem, but with a burning ambition to become a mechanic. He enrolled on a mainstream Motor Vehicle course, but found he couldn鈥檛 keep up with the demands, which meant he was unemployed and out of education. However, through a partnership between 51茶馆 and Jobcentre Plus, Ashley completed some short courses in the community, which led to a traineeship, and then an Apprenticeship.鈥�听

At Wilson鈥檚 Autos, he has taken on a pivotal role, working independently and even acting as sole mechanic when his employer went on holiday.听

Nigel Wilson, owner of Wilson鈥檚 Autos, commented: 鈥淚 am immensely proud of Ashley and all his hard work. When Ashley started, he was very quiet and didn鈥檛 really have any confidence. He has progressed so much with his work and in himself. Ashley deserves to win this award; I am really pleased with how far he has come.鈥�听

Marie Gilluley, Principal of 51茶馆, said 鈥淎shley is a shining example of the rewards that hard work and commitment can bring. As a College, we are thrilled to be part of Ashley鈥檚 success. He is a very worthy winner, and I hope he is as proud of himself as we are鈥�.鈥�听

Peter Alstead, Head of Motor Vehicle and STEM at 51茶馆, added 鈥淲e at the College have been so impressed with Ashley鈥檚 attitude throughout his time here. His success is an embodiment of our commitment to Apprenticeships, and we will continue to work with local employers to provide outstanding apprentices鈥�.听

As a regional winner, Ashley now has a tense wait to see if he reaches the National Apprenticeship Awards Finals, to be held at Grosvenor House in London this January.鈥�听

If you want to start your very own Apprenticeship听 visit听听or听if you are looking to hire an apprentice for your workforce, call our Business Team to get started on 01204 482 036.听