A YOUNG mechanic who helps to service and maintain a fleet of lorries at a Stalybridge company has won the apprentice of the year award.
Lewis Brockbank is based at Bay Freight on Tame Street, which is part of the Kinaxia Logistics group.
The 20-year-old joined the firm in September 2021 on a three-year apprenticeship, leading to a qualification in heavy vehicle maintenance.
“I wasn’t expecting to win the award but I’m very happy to have done so and very grateful,” said Lewis, who lives in Mottram. “It really means a lot.”
He was nominated for the accolade by his line manager Dave Turnbull, who presented him with a trophy, framed certificate and Amazon voucher.
“Lewis is always willing to learn and is a key team player,” said Dave. “He works hard in all weathers and never complains. He’s willing to do any job at any time of the day and always keeps himself busy.
“He’s very competent at his job and has had glowing reports from college. He’s a very worthy winner of the apprentice of the year award.”
Lewis is currently one of eight apprentices employed by Kinaxia, with his apprenticeship training provided by Mantra Learning.
He recommends an apprenticeship to anyone who is considering one.
“Initially, I wanted to be a light vehicle mechanic, and I completed a Level Two qualification at Tameside College,” Lewis explained. “Then the opportunity came up to join Kinaxia, and I was thrilled to join the company.
“I’ve found myself really enjoying learning the job and helping to keep our vehicles roadworthy and maintained to a high standard.
“I think apprenticeships are the best option for people fresh out of school or college to get into an industry. I find that hands-on learning is more effective than just classroom learning.”
Kinaxia, which has its headquarters in Macclesfield, employs more than 2,000 staff nationwide with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles transporting goods for the retail, leisure, food and drink and manufacturing sectors.
The firm is a gold sponsor of Generation Logistics, a government and industry-backed campaign highlighting the opportunities and career prospects available in a major national drive to attract young people to the sector.
Debbie Blackwell, people services director at Kinaxia, said: “Apprenticeships are key to the future of our industry. We need to invest in our colleagues and create new opportunities for diversified talent to support the growth and productivity of our business and create a skilled and qualified workforce.”