Outstanding apprentices do the double

Two Babcock-trained apprentices are celebrating after winning IMI Outstanding Achiever awards this year.

In October, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) hosted its annual awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of learners from across the motor industry. These awards recognise and congratulate the apprentices, and the training staff who work incredibly hard to support and deliver training programmes that give these outstanding learners the best start to their motoring career.

The IMI was joined by its patron, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, who presented the Outstanding Achievers Awards, created to single-out the most talented apprentices training to work in the sector.

This year, two Babcock-trained apprentices were shortlisted and won their respective categories. Babcock has delivered and supported the training and development of both of these apprentices throughout their learner journey from initial recruitment to successful graduation.

Congratulations to Toby Diggins, a BMW apprentice who received the Outstanding Achiever Award for Apprentice Paint Technicians, and Lewis Meldrum from Jaguar Land Rover who received the Tony Swiatek Memorial Award.

Wayne Lees, Paint and Body Trainer at Babcock’s Technical Academy said; ‘The whole apprentice team are really proud of Toby. He is a fantastic talent and has done extremely well throughout his whole apprenticeship.’

Anthony Gristenthwaite, Babcock Technical Instructor for Jaguar Land Rover, commented; ‘Lewis unfortunately suffered a life changing injury last year, this however has not stopped him achieving his qualification and continuing to work within the retailer. Lewis is not only an inspiration, but a role model and he sets the standard for us all to achieve. The whole team are really proud of him.’

Babcock’s Skills & Learning business delivers training programmes for a variety of high profile automotive customers, including Audi, BMW Group UK, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Group, Mazda, Isuzu, Jaguar Land Rover, Seat, ŠKODA, Subaru and Volkswagen.

Photo credit: The winners with HRH Prince Michael of Kent. Lewis Meldrum is pictured at the front and Toby is furthest right.