Ford Bridgend Engine Plant (BEP) apprentice, James Williams, is the number one apprentice in Wales beating thousands of others to take the regional title in the annual Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) Future Manufacturing Awards.
James, 20, from Swansea, will now go into the UK final, which will see Britain’s top apprentice being named at the end of January 2013. No stranger to the Welsh award, James won it two years ago while half-way through his Ford apprenticeship but as he was not fully qualified at the time he could not progress to the national final.
James joined Ford straight from school and undertook a four-year electrical apprenticeship. He qualified earlier this year and now works in the electronics crib at Ford Bridgend, helping to provide 24-hour cover for all the plant’s operations.
James said: “I really enjoyed the studying and the variety of work I do now. I have also started doing a three-year degree course at Swansea University. It’s tough doing shift work and studying, but I know it will be worth it.”
Congratulating James on winning the Welsh apprentice of the year title, Bridgend engine plant manager, Martin Everitt, said: “James is a brilliant example of the high quality of apprentice and engineer we have in Ford BEP. I am sure he will do well in his studies and he has a bright future with the company.”
The Ford Apprenticeship programme:
Overview
· 4 year programme
· 1 year College based full time
· 3 years located at one of our product development or manufacturing facilities
Education achieved at end of programme
· Key Skills Level 2
· NVQ Level 2 & 3
· Advanced Apprenticeship Certificate
· National Certificate in Engineering
· Opportunity to progress onto HNC within Apprenticeship
Trades
· Mechanical / Electrical
· Toolmaker
· Tinsmith
EEF
For more information on the EEF and the awards: //www.eef.org.uk/awards/news/Outstanding-manufacturing-apprentices-recognised-at-celebration-event-in-Wales.htm.
