Ashley triumphs at National Apprenticeship Awards Finals

Bolton College’s award-winning apprentice Ashley Haslam has yet again triumphed, this time winning Highly Commended at the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards Finals in London on Friday.  

The annual event celebrates Apprenticeships and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplace. This year, the Finals were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair, and were attended by the Rt Hon Robert Halton MP, Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills.  

Ashley beat over 1,000 applicants to be recognised in the category of ‘Intermediate Apprentice of the Year’. Only last September, he was Highly Commended at the Bolton & Bury Business Awards. 

Ashley was accompanied to the ceremony by his boss Nigel Wilson, his proud parents Sue and Chris, and his College Assessor, Dave Crumblehulme. 

Ashley, 24, who works as an apprentice mechanic at Wilson’s Autos on Brown Street in Bolton and is currently completing a Level 3 Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship, said: “This is the third award I have won in the past six months, and the fact I’ve been recognised yet again is still sinking in. It was so exciting travelling down to London, and the ceremony was amazing – it was a privilege to be nominated alongside some really inspirational people’.     

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, said: ‘Ashley has been an exemplary employee, he has a great work ethic and he has made a really positive impact on my business’. 

Dave Crumblehulme, who has supported Ashley throughout his time at College, said ‘Helping students like Ashley fulfil their potential is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Joining Ashley on stage to accept his award was wonderful, and I am so glad that he has been recognised for his achievements’. 

Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College, added ‘Ashley deserves his moment in the spotlight, and we are so proud of him. Ashley’s success is not only a testament to his hard work and commitment, but also to the time and effort the College staff commit to each and every one of our students. We are committed to Apprenticeships, and we will continue to work with local employers to provide outstanding apprentices’. 

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 on 01204 482 036.