Gage drives off with Apprentice of the Year
An apprentice at East Midlands Renault Truck distributor, RH Commercial Vehicles (RHCV) is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Apprentice of the Year 2017 title for his hard work and dedication.
20-year-old Gage Sludds from south Derbyshire was awarded Renault Trucks’ Apprentice of the Year 2017, beating 10 other apprentices across the UK to become the fifth employee at RHCV in their 40-year history to scoop the acclaimed accolade.
Gage started working as an apprentice HGV technician with RHCV at the age of 16, undertaking the qualification at Stephenson College and training at the company’s Alfreton site in Derbyshire. The award was presented in a special graduation ceremony at the college.
Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, who also used to work with trucks and many of his friends who work in the automotive industry, Gage wanted to be an apprentice HGV technician after taking a light vehicle course at school. With a keen interest in trucks, RHCV stood out as the best employer when applying for jobs. Gage has now been working at RHCV for four years and has been promoted to junior technician.
Celebrating 40 years of business this year, RHCV – which is the only Renault Trucks dealer in the East Midlands – sells, services and provides parts for heavy and light commercial vehicles. Gage’s award follows a series of successes at RHCV. At the Renault Trucks Dealer Awards in January, the team won Dealer of the Year.
Gage said, ‘Winning Apprentice of the Year is such an exciting achievement – I was very shocked to have won, I didn’t expect it! RHCV has been such a great place to start my career as there’s so much variety and lots of opportunities for learning new skills from brakes to engines. It’s a real family business and I’m part of a brilliant team that is massively supportive – we all have a great laugh together.’
David Templeman, dealerpoint manager at RHCV Alfreton said, ‘We currently employ 11 apprentices across our businesses in the East Midlands and they are an integral part of RHCV. We’re thrilled that Gage has won this well-deserved award. He has come so far already and I’m sure he will excel in his role as junior technician.’
