Three young apprentices have achieved recognition in a new Cartwright awards scheme in which they received praise for outstanding achievements in attendance, commitment, conduct and overall progress.
Bradley Kyte (19) was named as Cartwright Apprentice of the Year with Robson Thomas (20) and Josh Redfern (19) coming in second and third place respectively.
The body and trailer manufacturer, which has taken on 80 apprentices since last September, praised its apprentices for their sterling efforts, each making a valuable contribution to the Cartwright manufacturing operation.
John Cartwright, Joint Managing Director, Cartwright presented each of the three winners with a £75 cash prize and commented that the three young apprentices each had an exemplary first year and set an example for others to follow.
Additionally £600 worth of tool vouchers donated by Mettex and Draper were presented with Bradley receiving a £300 voucher, Robson a £200 voucher and Josh a £100 voucher.
John Cartwright commented: "Selecting just three apprentices out of the first year's intake was a tough decision. They have been a fantastic group each playing an important role during their first year.
"However the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by Bradley, Robson and Josh surpassed the others, making them a natural choice."
On receiving his award Bradley commented: "To be named Apprentice of the Year is just brilliant.
"I have really enjoyed my first year. The variety of work and the people have been great and I like the fact that I feel I'm making a real contribution. If I have the opportunity I would really like to stay with Cartwright to further develop my career."
Robson Thomas was also thrilled to receive the award. "To think I came second out of the 40 people out of our year was just excellent. I knew I was in the top five but to come second was just fantastic.
"It has been a really good year and I can see myself staying at Cartwright for the long term. So far, of everything I've done, Freight 2 has been my favourite department. There I was fitting wheels, axels, brakes and air bags. By the second day I felt really at ease with all of that. I was definitely most suited to it and it was the most enjoyable."
Josh Redfern has cause for a double celebration as he has not only won third place in the Apprentice of the Year Awards but has also earned himself a place in the Design team having been fast-tracked in the final part of his first year.
Josh commented: "Joining the Cartwright apprenticeship scheme is the best thing I have done. The fact I have been able to learn new skills is brilliant.
"I am absolutely thrilled about being in the top three and also to have been selected to join the design team. It is a great stepping stone for me so early on in my apprenticeship and I hope that I will gain the necessary skills to be able to lead my own team."
Cartwright first launched its apprenticeship programme in September 2012, with an initial intake of 40 apprentices.
On August 5th this year a further 40 apprentices commenced on the two year programme, initially attending Stockport College for a four week block induction programme before joining Cartwright on the 2nd September. They will continue their studies on a day release basis.
Within the first year the apprentices will undergo six rotations in individual departments every eight weeks so they can experience each stage of the manufacturing process following which, they will have the opportunity to select an area in which to specialise according to skill and interest.
They will also have the added advantage of being mentored on the shop-floor under a "buddy" system where they will work with a skilled tradesman, learning from his experience while developing engineering and manufacturing skills.
The fact that Cartwright designs and builds products from scratch is a major advantage and provides apprentices with the opportunity to learn the end to end manufacturing process within one company.
During their apprenticeship they will develop a comprehensive set of skills in welding, hydraulic, electrical and air fitting and testing, general fitting and assembly, machine operation, finishing and pre-delivery inspection. Indeed a high percentage of the apprentices providing valuable input particularly in welding and coach building which are particularly popular among the young recruits.
An additional module of 3D design is also being added providing an additional dimension to the programme and Cartwright has gifted 60 licences for its 3D Design Software to Stockport College further demonstrating Cartwright's commitment to the scheme.
The bespoke two year apprenticeship programme leads to a Level 2 Engineering apprenticeship on successful completion of which, and subject to interest and aptitude, there will be an opportunity for the apprentices to continue to Level 3 and ultimately HND level to further enhance their career prospects within the industry.