JOHN GROSE TRAINS FORD APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR   

The top apprentices on the Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme from across the UK battled it out last month (22 August 2007) for the prestigious title of ‘Ford Masters Apprentice of the Year’. The competition, followed by an award ceremony, took place at The Henry Ford College Loughborough with special guests Roelant de Waard, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford of Britain, John Cooper, Ford Customer Service Director, and Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive IMI Group.  

Ford boasts the single largest vehicle manufacturer apprenticeship programme in the UK with over 1,150 learners , ranging from service and body technicians to customer service and sales personnel. The competition and awards recognise the hard work and commitment of these young people on the Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme and attracted hundreds of entries from the Ford dealer network across the UK .   

Ten apprentices were selected on their performance over the past three years to take part in the competition finals. The skills contest covered mechanical, electrical measurement, information retrieval via Ford's latest diagnostic equipment (FordEtis IDS), and customer handling skills. Performance on the day would identify an overall winner to be awarded the prestigious title of ‘Ford Masters Apprentice Technician of the Year 2007’.   

Simon Martin from John Grose of Lowestoft, was awarded Apprentice Body Technician of the Year, and was chosen from 30 other Vehicle Body Repair / Paint Apprentices nationally.  

David Grose, Aftersales Director of the John Grose Group stated: “Simon is a very popular member of our Bodyshop team, and has shown real commitment since joining our Apprenticeship scheme at John Grose.  Simon is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when new apprentices join us, train on the job, and are able to attend the high quality training modules ran by vehicle manufacturers, in Simon’s case, Ford Motor Company.  Simon and his fellow apprentices are the future of our business and help us to deliver complete satisfaction to all of our customers.”  

Commenting on his win, Simon said: "I couldn’t believe it when I found out I had won, it is quite an achievement to have done so when competing with so many other skilled apprentices.  I have really enjoyed my training at Suffolk College, and would like to express my thanks to both the team at the College and here at John Grose who have been so supportive .  A special thanks to my tutor at Suffolk College, Jason Embry, who was on hand to give me all the help I needed."    

Awards presenter and Chairman of Ford of Britain, Roelant de Waard, commented on the high calibre of entrants and highlighted Ford’s commitment to apprenticeships for both young people and their employers. He commented: “Today’s competition demonstrates the high quality of apprentices coming through the ranks in the Ford dealer network and will secure Ford’s future as a leading vehicle brand in the UK for customer service.    

“Ford and its dealers have had a proud tradition of providing and supporting quality apprenticeships for over 70 years. The need for young people with new skills remains paramount in equipping our dealer network with the knowledge and skills to meet the technological demands of the automotive industry. Congratulations to all of this year's winners and finalists ”.   

Jim Gordon , Ford Learning Manager at Carter & Carter Group plc, commented: “ These apprentices represent the future of the Ford dealer network. This is the largest and most comprehensive apprenticeship programme in the automotive sector and has the full support and backing of Ford Motor Company. I'm very proud to be part of the ongoing development and success of our apprentices”. 

The winners of the Ford Masters Apprentice of the Year are to be VIP guests of the BP Ford World Rally Team at Wales Rally GB, hopefully to cheer on the winning Ford Rally Team. In addition each competitor was rewarded with an associate membership to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and Snap On tools vouchers.

To find out more about the Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme you can contact Jim Gordon, Ford Learning Manager on 07771 725333 or email him at jgordo51@ford.com .  For more details about starting a career at John Grose, in a variety of different departments, please contact Simone Clarke on 01473 276816.