Terex apprentice scoops top award

Edward Massey shakes hands with Terex Trucks operations director, Paul Hudson

A young apprentice from Motherwell-based Terex Trucks has been presented with a top award.

21-year-old Edward Massey was recently awarded the East Kilbride & District Engineering Group Training Association’s (EKGTA) Best Final Year Apprentice Award 2017.

The purpose of the awards, according to EKGTA, is to “recognise formally the achievements of individuals who have undergone training as engineering apprentices, both at the EKGTA training centre and in the apprentices’ own workplace with their employers”.

Edward was chosen by the EKGTA judging panel after deciding he was the trainee “who had excelled in ability and performance over a four-year development programme”.

Six finalists were chosen from over a hundred candidates from organisations such as Scottish Water and Coca Cola.

Edward’s win follows four years of study through the Modern Apprenticeship Programme, through which he achieved an NC in mechanical engineering and an SVQ at Levels 2 and 3. Edward then went on to complete an HNC in mechanical engineering at Langside College.

Speaking on receiving the award, Edward said, “To even be nominated for this prize was an honour in itself as I knew exactly the great competition that I was up against. To sum up in words how I feel is very difficult – I am extremely proud. I think, more than anything else, it’s a great reflection on the workforce at Terex Trucks as there’s always someone readily available to help you out if you’re stuck or need assistance with anything.”

Tom McBrearty, general manager at EKGTA, commented, “This award is made by our Association to the person who is considered to be the ‘Best (Final Year) – Apprentice’, taking into account aptitude, ability, attitude and overall performance throughout the four years of the Apprenticeship Training Programme. This year’s competition was very close indeed as the standard of candidate was very high. Each individual presented a very positive and professional image of themselves and their company. Edward should be extremely proud of his achievement. We wish him all the best with his career.”

Paul Hudson, operations director for Terex Trucks, added, “We are delighted that one of our young team members has been recognised by such a high-calibre organisation. We have seen Edward grow his skills and demonstrate his value to the business but it is great to see that others outside of our organisation recognise his capabilities too.

“Edward is confident, bright, committed and eager to learn – exactly the sort of young professional every employer is delighted to have on board. We definitely see a promising future ahead for him if he continues to display these attributes. We look forward to supporting him and guiding his development and career within Terex Trucks. Thanks, of course, are due to EKGTA for its excellent training and development programme, which has helped put him on the path to success. It is also a great demonstration of how the on-going investment by Volvo Construction Equipment in product and people at Terex Trucks is looking to the future.”