Citroën’s own apprenticeship programme is now in its 2nd year under its own Learning Skills Contract, delivering apprenticeship training for the Citroën dealer network. Each year the programme recognises the achievements of the apprentices by awarding the top achievers from each year with a trophy and certificate. This year the programme enhanced this with the addition of a formal competition to find the overall apprentice of the year from participating dealers across the UK.
The First and Second year apprentices were recognised and presented with a bespoke glass trophy and certificate at their place of work.
The award winners this year for these categories were:
First Year Apprentice of the Year
Technician Apprentice Kaylee Roberston from Central Garage Shetland
Second Year Apprentice of the Year Parts Advisor Apprentice Daniel Veznaver from Citroën Manchester
The Apprentice of the Year was decided through a tough competition run from Citroën National Learning Services facility in Slough.
Five candidates were invited to compete for this award. These five candidates were picked by the Citroën Apprenticeship staff through assessing their past training and achievement and their commitment to their training programme and employer.
The five candidates were:
- Umar ButtCitroën Birmingham
- Sam FordWyatt Poole
- Ashley SmithBristol Street Nottingham
- William ParkerThe Verve Coatbridge
- Andrew McLachlanCars to Citroën
The competition was based on the ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) scheme. Each of the five candidates had to complete an online assessment and 6 demanding practical tasks based on various systems on the vehicles. All passed this assessment proving their ability to be able to carry out these kinds of jobs in their workplace to a high level. These five apprentices were the first five to achieve their ATA award with the apprenticeship programme; we aim to deliver this to all future 3rd year apprentices when they have achieved their qualification.
The competition was followed by a formal dinner and presentations held at the Copthorne Hotel in Slough. Apprentices were joined by Dealer representatives, family and guests together with representatives from the Learning Skills Council and the Institute of the Motor Industry for a private awards event. Presentations and motivating speeches were given during the event by Andrew Didlick, Director UK Network Training and Brian Steele, Manager Network Training and Development.
The Overall Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Sam Ford from Wyatt Poole, this was a close call but it came down to Sam’s ability to answer his written questions and carry out greater attention to detail during his practical assessment which clinched the title for him.
Special thanks to Citroën Service and Parts, Press Department and Facom Tools for supplying the prizes for the finalists and winner.
Christopher Newton Operations Manager Peugeot Citroën Apprenticeships said:-
“I believe that this event really brings home the efforts all of the apprentices and the staff put into the training and achievement of the apprentices qualifications. Apprenticeships clearly work for those employers prepared to engage with them, as these 5 finalists are a product of what apprenticeships are about and would be a great asset to any employer in our industry”.