The event, held in Manchester, close to the biggest MAN wholly-owned dealership in the UK, Man Truck & Bus Trafford Park, saw apprentices from all business areas travel from across the country.
Glen Crompton, Customer Service Management Director, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, hosted the awards and commented: "The awards recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the apprentice program, continuously showing commitment, dedication, hard work and passion for the MAN brand.
"The apprentices, whose fantastic achievements we are celebrating, represent the lifeblood and future of our business. Everyone here today has shown a high level of professionalism in the workplace, clearly demonstrated model attitudes and behaviour traits, moreover, they have openly displayed a focus and drive to succeed.”
MAN Apprenticeships develop young people for the Retail network, to support succession planning and MAN's future growth aspirations. The MAN Apprenticeship Program has seen over 370 apprentices graduate since 2017.
Glen continued: "The MAN Apprentice of the Year competition began in 2001 and today there are currently over 150 apprentices training in the MAN network. These highly valued young men and women will lead the drive to keep tomorrow's MAN Trucks, Vans and Buses out on the road and earning.
“Today we see finalists from past years who have gone on to develop great careers with MAN Truck & Bus UK - many of our senior staff today began their careers as an apprentice.
The MAN Truck & Bus UK Apprenticeship programme is one of the largest in the commercial vehicle industry and continues to generate high-quality staff for the UK MAN dealer network.
Chosen from individual job categories, the finalists were nominated by managers, mentors, assessors and trainers based on their commitment, determination and ability to work as part of a team.
The five MAN Truck & Bus UK Apprentice of the Year winners were:
· Rising Star Award 2023 - Jamie Watt
· People Award 2023 - Brandon Heeks
· Customer Award 2023 - Maurice Taylor
· Impact Award 2023 - Aleksander Zielechowski
· Apprentice Champion 2023 - Scott Shinn
To ensure the event went with a swing all the apprentices were treated to a walk on the weird side with a game of crazy golf at Manchester's craziest Golf Club, Junk Yard Golf Club. This twisted journey, around three mashed-up golf courses, finished with a round of epic cocktails.
Poppy Wolfarth, Early Careers Business Partner, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, co-hosted the awards and added: "It’s been a fabulous day here in Manchester, everyone enjoyed the golf at what can only be described as the craziest golf course ever.
“The awards presented honour those who have gone above and beyond both at their workplace and throughout their apprenticeship journey. The experience and learning our apprentices receive will undoubtedly provide the technical expertise and in-depth product knowledge that will enable them to deliver outstanding service to our customers way into the future.
"Having had many conversations with the apprentices throughout the day helps cement the fact that we are not only teaching the next generation the skills they will need to excel in their jobs, but we're also helping them to develop as well grounded young adults able to cope with the daily challenges of life." Concluded Poppy.
About the Award Categories
Rising Star Award – The Rising Star Award is for current Apprentices who show great potential at the start of their career. Our Rising Star fully encompasses all of our values and behaviours within MAN and supports the network to create WOW moments that make a true difference.
People Award – The People Award is for Apprentices current or past who have shown passion within their apprenticeship role, taking thoughtful and responsible actions in their role, or within the organisation/MAN Network.
Customer Award - The Customer Award is for Apprentices current or past who have delivered exceptionally for our customers. Going above and beyond to ensure customer needs are met and their needs are truly at the heart of their actions.
Impact Award - The Impact Award is for Apprentices current or past, who have shown passion within their apprenticeship role, taking thoughtful and responsible actions in their environment, or within the organisation/MAN Network.
Apprentice Champion – The Apprentice Champion of the Year Award is for any member of the MAN Network who has truly championed apprenticeships throughout 2023