Recently, two of our Heavy Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician Level 3 apprentices, Tim Brindle and Lewis Lootes Dalton, have been celebrating achieving a Distinction their end-point assessments (EPA), which only 11 people in the entire country have achieved! Both students managed to reach the top grade in 18 months when the apprenticeship is usually 3 years long.
In order to complete the apprenticeship, they both had to complete:
- Two online exams with a minimum 80% pass rate
- A practical on a vehicle ensuring they are sticking to all health and safety procedures
- Professional discussion talking about their journey while on the apprenticeship and proving their technical knowledge
As well as completing their apprenticeships, both students had other responsibilities. Tim was able to keep up with his work whilst also taking his Functional Skills English and maths, passing both with flying colours! When asked about his experience at the college and how he feels about the results, Tim said:
“I work as a car mechanic and gained a level 3 qualification in the late 1990’s. In 2010, I began employment at Northside Truck and Van Mercedes Benz which gave me experience with working with heavy goods vehicles. 18 months ago, I started working at Bradford Council and began a fast track course at Kirklees College. I put in the maximum amount of concentration and focus into my studies and revision and the result was one that I did not imagine. I am thrilled with the result and I am looking forward to the future working at CBMDC fleet services.”
Lewis who is currently serving as a Special Constable with West Yorkshire Police as well working at Suez Recycling and Recovery UK. He also works with disadvantaged children who struggle with the mainstream academic system, he does great work to guide and inspire children into a positive career and provides support and advice. Lewis completed his apprenticeship with Suez Recycling and Recovery UK. Speaking about his experience, Lewis commented:
“Coming from a light vehicle background, my knowledge of heavy vehicle maintenance and legislation wasn’t the best. Kirklees College and my employer helped build a foundation for me to build on and work hard towards this qualification. My tutor brought out the best in me and pushed me to do my best and my employer also helped every step of the way to achieve a distinction.”
City & Guilds, the provider for this apprenticeship, were very proud to let us know how our students had done and have since added our Heavy Vehicle workshop to their approved EPA Centre list.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship with Kirklees College, please see our available vacancies here: https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/apprenticeship-vacancies/
