Mercedes-Benz Announces the UK Apprentice of the Year Awards

May 12, 2014: The Mercedes-Benz UK Apprentice of the Year Awards were held today at Mercedes-Benz World, to honour the best and brightest across Technical and Parts for both Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles.

Helen Taylor, Apprentice Programme Operations Manager, Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: “The Awards recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the programme, continuously showing commitment, dedication, hard work and passion for the brand.”

From the Car division; Ben Allcorn, from Mercedes-Benz of Brighton, was awarded ‘Technical Apprentice of the Year’ for his continuous commitment and for being highly valued by his colleagues. Ashley Donnithorne, from Mercedes-Benz of Bristol, won ‘Parts Apprentice of the Year’ for increasing accessory sales through internal promotions and for his exceptional quality of work.

From the Commercial Vehicle division; Lan Dempsey, from Road Range Commercials Deeside, won ‘Technical Apprentice of the Year’ for his outstanding exam results and dedication to mentoring other members of the group. Dominic Drury, from Sparshatts of Kent, won ‘Parts Apprentice of the Year’ for his high standard of work and exceptional performance as class representative.

The winners will receive work experience with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team in the lead up to the British Grand Prix. Both winners and nominees – Jack Sawford, Nathan Snell and Peter Birkett – were also presented with a Mercedes-Benz watch.

The Mercedes-Benz Apprenticeship Academy develops young people for the Retailer network in order to support succession planning and Mercedes-Benz growth aspirations. This brand-focused programme has a 96 per cent achievement rate with 70 per cent of the graduates still in the Dealer network after 10 years.

Rated by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’ in the ‘Outcomes for Learners’ category, the Academy has seen over 1,500 apprentices graduate since it was established in 1995.

Recruitment of apprentices is increasing by 30 per cent year-on-year – a testament to the positive contribution the apprentices make to the Retailer network.