Ashley wins top Apprenticeship award

Bolton College has yet again been recognised for its success in developing award-winning apprentices - winning at the Regional Apprenticeship Awards Finals 2016. 

‘Intermediate Apprentice of the Year in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire’ was won by Bolton College’s Ashley Haslam, who works as an apprentice mechanic at Wilson’s Autos, on Brown Street in Bolton. Ashley, 24, is no stranger to prestigious awards ceremonies; in September, he was Highly Commended at the Bolton & Bury Business Awards 2016. 

Ashley, who is currently completing a Level 2 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship, said: “I’m so pleased to have won the award - I can’t believe I’ve been recognised at two awards ceremonies in just over a month.  The Apprenticeship has transformed my life; I originally enrolled on a mainstream college course, which didn’t suit me, but the Apprenticeship has brought out the best in me. I’m making a success of my life”. 

Ashley left school with very low confidence and self-esteem, but with a burning ambition to become a mechanic. He enrolled on a mainstream Motor Vehicle course, but found he couldn’t keep up with the demands, which meant he was unemployed and out of education. However, through a partnership between Bolton College and Jobcentre Plus, Ashley completed some short courses in the community, which led to a traineeship, and then an Apprenticeship.  

At Wilson’s Autos, he has taken on a pivotal role, working independently and even acting as sole mechanic when his employer went on holiday. 

Nigel Wilson, owner of Wilson’s Autos, commented: “I am immensely proud of Ashley and all his hard work. When Ashley started, he was very quiet and didn’t really have any confidence. He has progressed so much with his work and in himself. Ashley deserves to win this award; I am really pleased with how far he has come.” 

Marie Gilluley, Principal of Bolton College, said “Ashley is a shining example of the rewards that hard work and commitment can bring. As a College, we are thrilled to be part of Ashley’s success. He is a very worthy winner, and I hope he is as proud of himself as we are”.  

Peter Alstead, Head of Motor Vehicle and STEM at Bolton College, added “We at the College have been so impressed with Ashley’s attitude throughout his time here. His success is an embodiment of our commitment to Apprenticeships, and we will continue to work with local employers to provide outstanding apprentices”. 

As a regional winner, Ashley now has a tense wait to see if he reaches the National Apprenticeship Awards Finals, to be held at Grosvenor House in London this January.  

If you want to start your very own Apprenticeship  visit  or if you are looking to hire an apprentice for your workforce, call our Business Team to get started on 01204 482 036.