Arron wins Honda apprentice award

Arron Haines of Lancaster Honda has won the prestigious title of Honda (UK) ‘Motorcycles Apprentice of the Year’ 2013.

Arron, 21, from Morecambe, was presented with the award last week by Philip Crossman, Managing Director of Honda (UK) at a special ceremony to mark the achievement of seventy eight young graduates who have successfully completed a Honda (UK) apprenticeship this year. The ceremony took place at Honda (UK)’s bespoke training facility, the Honda Institute, in Slough.

The award caps quite a year for Arron, who was fortunate enough to spend half a season with the Samsung Honda British Superbike Championship (BSB) team. Supporting the team at races, tests and in its factory in Louth, Arron stripped and rebuilt the team’s Honda Fireblades, including that of 2013 Champion, Alex Lowes.

Honda (UK) offers apprenticeships across its three core business areas of Cars, Motorcycles and Power Equipment. The ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award is given to the candidate who truly excels in their specialist area, with nominations taken from Honda’s Apprentice Trainers, Assessors and Managers. Nominations are judged against specific criteria and the overall winner is then identified by the Apprentice Programme Management Team.

Arron comments: “I’m really pleased to have won this award and I’d like to thank everyone from Lancaster Honda, the BSB team, the Honda Institute and my friends and family for all of their support. I’ve loved every minute of my apprenticeship, but this year has been particularly special with the fantastic opportunity to work on a championship winning Honda motorcycle alongside my training and work.”

Bryan Holmes, After Sales Manager at Lancaster Honda comments: “I’m incredibly proud of what Arron has achieved, as is everyone across the business. He’s hard working and committed, and a great asset to the team. He really deserves this recognition and I’m extremely pleased for him.”

Philip Crossman, Managing Director of Honda (UK) comments: “The training team have commented that Arron has been an outstanding apprentice since day one. The BSB team are equally positive, with some excellent feedback on Arron’s contribution. He has such a positive attitude and a great work ethic and I’m very proud to have such a talented and committed young man working to look after our customers.”

Honda (UK)’s apprenticeship programme consistently scores above the national average for completion rates – with its latest timely success rates more than 20% higher than the industry average. The programme takes place over two years for Lawn and Garden and Parts Operations, and three years for Car and Motorcycle/ATV. During this time apprentices are employed by their local Honda dealership and attend block training at the Honda Institute working on products within one of the four divisions. Qualified apprentice graduates achieve NVQ Level Two for Lawn & Garden and Parts Operations and NVQ Level Three for Cars and Motorcycle/ATV.

Arron is pictured with Mark Woods and Phil Crossman.