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On 6 November, 52 of ����������� UK’s final year apprentices took to the top step of the podium to celebrate their graduation at the home of British motor racing – Silverstone.

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After expertly handling the pressure of their apprenticeships, they each basked in the applause of their peers, managers, and the senior leadership team.

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As they all claimed the top prize of officially becoming qualified technicians, service advisors and parts advisors. They’d done it. Reached the pinnacle of their apprenticeships and were now young professionals – with their careers at their fingertips.

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In a fitting race-themed celebration, in the exhibition halls of Britain’s famous race circuit overlooking the main grandstand straight, where racing greats have embraced the chequered flag, including the likes of Aryton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill, and Lewis Hamilton, our graduating apprentices etched their names into ����������� UK’s history.

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Former McLaren founder Bruce McLaren once said: “To do something well is so worthwhile that to die trying to do it better cannot be foolhardy.

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“It would be a waste of life to do nothing with one's ability, for I feel that life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.”

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The world is very much at the feet of these young professionals. Congratulations Class of 2024. We can’t wait to see what you all do next.

Completing the occasion was ����������� UK’s chance to celebrate the best talent coming through. This year for the first time there was four awards being handed out.

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Two crowning the best apprentices. One acknowledging a master mentor and a final award, which was new for 2024 – acknowledging academic excellence.

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In test of endurance, the Apprentice of the Year competitions are not for the faint-hearted. This year 10 finalists split across two competitions battled it out to grab the top spot on the podium and be named the winner.

After two days of close and nerve-shredding competition, where each finalist took on five gruelling challenges, the winners were crowned on the night of graduation.

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Toby Hull from TruckEast Norwich, went one better than last year and claimed first place and the crown of Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice of the Year.

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While in the Customer Advisor category, Connor Williams from ����������� Purfleet, claimed the chequered flag and the victory.

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Next up on the top step was Matthew Organ from West Bromwich – who became the first winner of the Mentor of the Year accolade. He was recognised for his efforts and work in nurturing the next generation of technicians coming through at franchised partner Keltruck.

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Wrapping up the evening was a special award. The Hugh Moore Award recognises an individual who embodies ����������� UK’s values and has achieved academic excellence throughout their apprenticeship.

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Having been an apprentice and a former Apprentice of the Year winner, Hugh Moore was acknowledged as one of ����������� UK’s best technicians during his time on the tools.

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As a role model for all apprentices, Hugh made his way up the career ladder to become Aftersales Director for Scotland. And along that journey, he has been instrumental in mentoring and guiding others to fill their potential.

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Unfortunately, Hugh sadly passed away a number of years ago, but in a touching tribute to not only his father, but also the inaugural winner of the award, his son Craig was on hand to present the award.

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Craig has also followed in his father’s footsteps and started his career as a ����������� apprentice. Although their careers have taken different routes, Craig is seen as one of �����������’s best technicians globally.

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The first winner of the Hugh Moore Award was Joseph Dudley from ����������� Maidstone.

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A former Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice of the Year, Joesph was acknowledged for wanting to learn as much as he can, but also sharing his ability and skills with others, all in the pursuit of helping Maidstone’s customers.

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Congratulations to all of ����������� UK’s graduating apprentices and winners of the Apprentice of the Year awards.