Mechanic wants own business

Ashleigh Lomas
Motor Vehicle Maintenance

“I’m currently finishing my level three in motor vehicle maintenance at Bolton College. I’ve been studying at the College for three years, and have really enjoyed my time here. I chose to do an apprenticeship because of the method of learning — you get exposure to real industry experience. No two days are the same, and I get to muck in with all areas of the business and do a bit of everything. And the salary is a massive bonus! One of the highlights of my time here has been beating all the other apprentices to win Bolton College’s Apprentice of the Year award. I’ve also won the Vehicle Mechanics Garages Level Three award, so I now have two trophies to show for my apprenticeship! My ambition for the future is to open up my own garage.”

Refugee’s new life

Qurban Ali Alahdad Zadeh
Motor Vehicle Maintenance

“I arrived as a refugee from Afghanistan eight years ago. I was unable to speak English and I had never driven a car. I originally enrolled on a course at Bolton College, so I could develop my English. I enrolled on an apprenticeship and have since gained several qualifications within the motor vehicle department. I was delighted to be named Young Person and Apprentice of the Year at the Bolton and Bury Business Awards 2012. I would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to do it.”

Local business supports
young apprentices

Yearsley Logistics demonstrate that employing staff through the apprenticeship scheme can really pay off for businesses. With members of their management team starting their careers as Bury College apprentices and a number of recent apprentice successes, the company is reaping the benefits of the scheme. Callum Spencer (pictured) is currently completing an advanced IT Application Specialist apprenticeship and has thrived in the busy and dynamic office. He has shown so much potential that he has now been given the responsibility to head up a brand new IT system in addition to training a new IT apprentice Emmanuel Chatziantonios. Callum commented: “I am really grateful for the opportunities I have been given to progress in my career by Yearsley Logistics and Bury College.”

Ambitious apprentices get a great start in their careers

Wallwork Heat Treatment Ltd is keen to support young people into long term employment and has recognised the benefits apprentices can bring to companies. Accounting apprentices Rebecca Wheeldon and Chris Lee (pictured) have developed and progressed in their careers thanks to their Bury College apprenticeships.

Rebecca and Chris both aspire to a career in accounting. After successfully gaining 11 A*-Cs in their GCSE’s they gained employment at Wallwork Heat Treatment Ltd. Six years later, Rebecca is on the path to realising her dream of becoming a Financial Controller. She has completed an advanced apprenticeship in accountancy, achieved full AAT membership and is currently studying for her CIMA Operational exams.

Chris, who started at the company in 2011, is also gaining the valuable experience required to achieve the full AAT membership. Chris commented: “Wallwork is a great company to work for, they really invest in their staff and support us to progress in our careers.”

Carole Chettoe, Group Financial Controller and Company Secretary commented: “Wallwork Heat Treatment has been a local employer for over 50 years and we aim to keep it that way by investing in talented young people from local schools and colleges who will be the future spirit of the company. Both Rebecca and Chris have gone from school leavers to being at the very heart of the business.”