A Peel Ports’ apprentice has been recognised for his outstanding work and progress at the Maritime and Engineering College North West’s (MECNW) annual award ceremony in Birkenhead.
Tom Price, a second year mechanical engineering apprentice has been named as the Institute of Mechanical Engineer’s apprentice of the year for the Merseyside and North Wales region, thanks to his work ethic, outstanding attitude and high standard of work.
This is the second year running that a Peel Ports’ apprentice has received this award, Keiran Sait, a third year mechanical engineer was last year’s winner and is now half way through the final year of his apprenticeship with Peel Ports.
In a further reflection of his hard work and dedication to his studies, Tom was also named as the Peel Ports Apprentice of the year, after being nominated by teaching staff at the college.
The 20 year old from Wallasey, said:
“My apprenticeship with Peel Ports has offered me an amazing opportunity, within a big company with lots of exciting development opportunities.
“I am really enjoying the chance to gain hands on experience in an industry which I hope to have a career in and hopefully the apprenticeship will open up future opportunities for me.
“I am a little bit shocked but very pleased to have won both awards – it’s nice to know that my hard work has paid off. I have gained so much during the first year of my apprenticeship and I am looking forward to continuing to learn and gain more skills over the next few years.”
Peel Ports operates a successful and expanding apprenticeship programme employing more than 40 apprentices across the Group, developing their skills in a range of mechanical and electrical engineering skills.
To meet the growing demand for the sector, Peel Ports is working closely with a number of specialist education and training providers across the region including MECNW.
Apprentices join the business for a four year course in either mechanical or electrical engineering, with one year full time at college and another three years training on the job, supplemented by further college study.
David Huck, Port Director at Peel Ports said:
“These awards are well deserved acknowledgements and reflect the hard work and dedication put in by Tom during his time with Peel Ports. With such an impressive start to their career, I’m sure a bright future is ahead of him.
“Peel Ports is a growing business and we continue to invest in our customers and the future, not only of Peel Ports and the Port of Liverpool, but the wider regional economy.
“Our apprentices are one of the most important future investments for our business, as they will form part of the work force and future leaders required to progress the significant development plans we have in place across the Group over the next 20 years.
“We are extremely proud of all of our apprentices.”