Grampian Motor Training Trust has once again recognised the commitment and dedication of Automotive Industry apprentices in North East Scotland with the provision of Apprentice of the Year awards for students studying at North East Scotland College both in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. The awards were presented by Mr John Chessor secretary of GMTT at the awards ceremony held at Nescol Aberdeen campus in May.

This years awards are:-

Apprentice of the year – light vehicle maintenance Aberdeen Campus –Ryan Paterson from East Mains Garage Drumoak

Apprentice of the year – light vehicle maintenance Fraserburgh Campus – Andrew Mechie of Croft Autotech Ellon

 Apprentice of the year – Body and Paint Aberdeen Campus – Connor MacGregor of Stewart Cheyne Autos Banff

Helping to develop Business Administrative skills:-

As part of its general training programmes Dingbro has encouraged three of its administrative staff to complete a level 3 Business Administration course. All three completed their course in January 2017.

GMTT were delighted to provide support for these programmes and we congratulate the staff on their success. Dingbro have expressed their appreciation for the Trust’s support for this programme.

I would like to thank GMT for there financial support, it helped me take on a Mature Apprentice that otherwise may not have materialised, also thanks for providing support towards getting Andrew through his MOT Training, your generous contribution was really appreciated.

Graham Robertson, Bridge of Don Garage

North East Scotland College thanks GMTT for their support in promoting automotive education to school pupils across the region. The sponsorship of the pupil's boilersuits provides an opportunity to create a clear link between their school link college studies and the workforce they may go on to enter.

The support received from GMTT has really helped my business grow with providing funding for various training programmes like engine management and electronic based courses. It has helped us to be able to provide customers with a good reliable service and provide us with greater confidence when dealing with the complex systems in today's modern vehicles. Andrew Cowie - Unicar Auto Centre.

Callum  Riddoch of Bavaria Autowerke in Aberdeen has just completed his first year  of a three year course at Aberdeen College. The course is for an SVQ level 3 in light vehicle mechanics. GMTT has agreed to provide some 30% of the costs of Callum's course and the first instalment due at the  completion of year 1 was handed over to Callum's employer in November  last year. Both Callum and his employer are delighted at the support provided by the Trust. GMTT are in turn happy to provide this support to individuals and organisations who show such a commitment to the  development of skills within the industry.

With the help of some support funding from GMTT Judith Anderson of Sandy Thain of Inverurie has completed her HND in Accounting. Her employers are keen to see her develop and are supporting her in her training and development. Judith achieved an "A" grade in her HND and is planning on extending her studies. GMTT are delighted to be able to support Judith and Sandy Thain's in this way and wish Judith well in her further development both at college and in the Company.

As part of its ongoing commitment to support the development of skills within the industry the Trust recently provided funding for a senior technician from Kirkhill Autos to upgrade his skills in air conditioning and refrigeration systems enabling the organisation to maintain its status as an accredited repairer of air con and refrigerated systems.

A spokeswoman for the company said "Funding of training courses for small garage operators is particularly useful given the high technology of today's motor vehicles. It is an important function of our business that all technicians are suitably skilled in the diagnosis, repair and maintenance of all makes of vehicle. The funding provided by the trust to ensure compliance with the latest legislation relevant to air conditioning will ensure that we maintain a strong position in the industry. On behalf of Kirkhill Auto Services Ltd, thank you very much."

GMTT is delighted to continue to provide financial support of this nature and in the last 12 months has distributed a total of £6000 to assist in the development of skills within the industry