In the same year that Ford & Slater took home ‘Apprenticeship of the Year’ at the prestigious Motor Transport awards, Ford & Slater third-year apprentice, Sonny Meijer, has been shortlisted Apprentice of the Year 2018 – not once, but twice!

Sonny has achieved a lot in his three years of training with Ford & Slater’s Kings Lynn dealership. Aside from learning the technical skills of how to service, maintain, diagnose and repair HGVs, Sonny regularly assists with the mentoring of first year apprentices, is among the top 10% of his year group and is Chairman of the company’s Apprentice Panel.

Sonny’s achievements have also been recognised within the DAF dealer network and beyond, with the trainee technician being nominated to stand as valedictorian for the annual DAF Apprenticeship graduation ceremony later this year.

It is for of this healthy repertoire of achievements that Sonny has been shortlisted ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at two distinguished awards ceremonies; the regional heats of the National Apprenticeship Awards and the Commercial Motor Awards 2018.

Ford & Slater Apprentice Coordinator, Lee Sursham, is particularly proud of Sonny’s progress throughout his apprenticeship, saying, “Sonny personifies the ideal apprentice for us. He is reliable, diligent and quick thinking in the workshop, has displayed approachable and determined leadership as Chairman of the Apprentice Panel and is always first to offer his time to promote our programme to prospective students.

“We are incredibly proud but not even a little surprised to see Sonny shortlisted for these awards and wish him the best of luck,” he added.

The National Apprenticeships Awards are the largest and most prestigious celebration of apprentices and apprentice employers across the country. The Commercial Motor Awards recognise the very best in commercial vehicle sales and aftersales.