A 23-year-old auto vehicle electrician who was inspired by his father to take up a career in engineering has received an award for his hard work and technical talent after winning the North East Apprentice of the Year for the Institute of Road Engineers.
Jonathan Gardener from Sunniside in Gateshead, who finished his apprenticeship last year and is now fully qualified and working full time at Stagecoach North East’s Walkergate depot in Newcastle, has always been interested in engineering, motor sports and fixing things’.
He decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps when he took up a four-year engineering apprenticeship with the local bus operator, where his dad Colin is the Engineering Manager at the depot in Sunderland.
Jonathan began his apprenticeship in 2013 after gaining a number of qualifications at Whickham Comprehensive School and Sixth Form, and decided against going to university, despite all his friends going off to study.
He said: “Although my friends went to university, I decided on an apprenticeship instead which was a lot better for me. I was drawn to the electrical side of engineering, and my Dad works on the mechanical side so we now have both covered! I’m certainly very appreciative of my Dad’s help and encouragement and all that he has done for me.”
With engineering running in the family and a natural ability for problem solving, Jonathan was inspired to work hard and was recognised for his talents as a fourth year apprentice at a prestigious awards ceremony at the Hilton in Gateshead.
Jonathan continued: “Winning Apprentice of the Year was great and I felt like a celebrity for a night! It was a wonderful night and all my family were there, including my proud Dad. It was also really useful to meet new people from different companies and build relationships.
“On the night it came as a complete surprise but it is great to be recognised, as you really have put the effort in to win the award. It is a real boost as I have worked hard through the whole apprenticeship scheme. My Dad’s name was always getting mentioned as he came through apprenticeship scheme too but it’s nice to have my own name recognised instead of his! It is my first award and great for my CV, with it being such a well renowned company.
