A young automotive apprentice is continuing to make her mark in the industry after being named Coleg Gwent Apprentice of the Year and securing a top-three finish in a national skills competition.
Layla Hawkins-Price, an apprentice with David Spear Commercial Vehicles, began her training at Coleg Gwent in Newport, where she was named Apprentice of the Month on several occasions in recognition of her progress and hard work.
She went on to receive the college’s Apprentice of the Year award before moving to Cardiff and Vale College to continue her training.
Layla is now completing the third year of her apprenticeship and working towards her Level 3 qualification while continuing to gain practical experience with David Spear Commercial Vehicles.
Her success has continued during her third year, with Layla recently finishing third in Wales in the Welsh Skills Competition, where she competed against apprentices and skilled individuals from across the country.
The apprenticeship route has allowed her to combine education with practical workplace experience, helping her develop technical skills and confidence while working towards a recognised qualification.
Layla now hopes to continue developing her skills and build a long-term career with David Spear Commercial Vehicles.
The company said apprenticeships remain an important part of developing the next generation of skilled workers for the automotive industry.
Geraint Yeo of David Spear Commercial Vehicles said: “Apprenticeships are really important to the future of our business and the wider automotive industry. They provide a great pathway for new talent to develop practical skills and build a career.
“Working closely with colleges helps us develop the right talent with the right skills, and Layla is a great example of what can be achieved through that combination of education, practical experience and commitment.”
David Spear Commercial Vehicles continues to work with education providers to support apprenticeships as a route into the automotive industry, giving young people the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications alongside workplace experience.
