Shropshire man swaps toilet brush for master technician apprenticeship

Reece Roberts, 18, has been taken on by Telford based SP Holding Renault Trucks as its first HGV master technician apprentice.

Reece, from Apley, Telford, had been cleaning portable toilets for another division at the group’s HQ over the summer when his diligence and aptitude for hard work was spotted.

He said: “The portable toilets obviously have to be cleaned when they come back off hire. It’s not the most pleasant job but its work and I was glad to have the chance to do it. Now that it’s led to such a great opportunity I’m really pleased.”

Tony Williams is the Service Manager at SP Holding, and is also managing Reece’s apprenticeship. He said: “Tom caught our eye because, despite doing a tough job, he was always hard working and willing to learn. It’s a bit of step up from washing toilets to training to being a professionally qualified mechanic but we know Reece has what it takes.

“With the apprenticeship scheme we can be sure of gaining an already competent team member which is a vital investment for the future of both the company and Reece.

“It is so important, especially in the current job climate, that we continue expanding SP Holding in the correct way. This apprenticeship represents a significant investment for SP Holding. We realise the importance of employing skilled specialists who aspire to be the very best in their field.”

Reece’s appointment comes as concern has risen about the number of young people out of work. Official figures state there are now one million people aged 16 to 24 looking for work.

Tony Williams said: “A lot is said about the employability of young people but Reece’s approach and attitude shows there are some great teenagers out there who can make a difference when given a chance.”

Steve Holding, Managing Director at SP Holding, said: “I am passionate about the need to give young people opportunities. We aim to have at least two apprentices on site at any one time. It’s about creating the life-blood of the company.

“SP Holding is an investor in people and hopes to offer more apprenticeships to local young men and women.”

The Renault Trucks Advanced Apprentice Options Programme involves practical employment at a Renault Trucks dealership, with ongoing training at one of the national training centres over three years.

It offers technical certificates (VRQs), NVQs and Key Skills qualifications and was the first UK truck manufacturer to offer a technical certificate level 4 qualification for technicians.

The master technician apprenticeship takes 3 years to complete, and Reece said the way the course is structured is a perfect mix of practical and theoretic work: “I am more of a practical learner than an academic one. I prefer the hands on approach.

“I spend three weeks working at SP Holding’s Renault truck dealership. After each block of three weeks, I then go to Dunstable College for a week where I attend classes and work more on the theoretic side of things. “When I have completed my apprenticeship I hope to stay with Renault Trucks and SP Holding and work my way up to managing the workshop.”