Friday 10th October 2014

An auto-electrician apprentice from Chesterfield has been recognised as one of the best in the country after scooping four awards at a national ceremony.



At Stagecoach's 10th annual Apprentice of the Year Awards, Sam Harris (above right), picked up the Year Two Award, sponsored by ADL.

Twenty-two-year-old Sam, who works at Stagecoach in Chesterfield, was previously the winner of the year one award. Sam won the Best College award (electrical), voted for by the lecturers who teach the apprentices each year, and the Best End of College Block Test Result award (electrical).  

After receiving the highest scores for punctuality, attendance, commitment, enthusiasm, motivation, ability and overall performance, Sam also won the Best Depot vote.

Sam, from Old Tupton said: "It feels fantastic to have won four awards. I've learnt so much in such a short space of time and these accolades top off a great two years with Stagecoach.

"The apprentice scheme has been brilliant. It has increased my skills and focused me towards a career on the transport industry. You get to learn both the theory and practical aspects of being an auto-electrician."

Sam was one of nine bus engineering apprentices celebrated for their outstanding performance at a ceremony at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

The winners received cash prizes, individual trophies and tools supplied by event sponsors ADL, Optare, the Society of Operations Engineers, Roadcrew and QA Supplies.

Joe Gilchrist, engineering director, Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: "Sam is a credit to Stagecoach and thoroughly deserving of these awards.

"After winning the year one award last year, Sam has once again excelled himself and set exceptionally high standards over the past 12 months.

"The Stagecoach apprentice scheme is widely recognised as one of the most comprehensive in the bus industry and it is vital to the future success of our business.

"We're delighted to have such skilled people within our ranks. It's great news, not only for Stagecoach, but also for the millions of passengers who travel on our buses day in Chesterfield each year."

Stagecoach Yorkshire offers apprenticeships in mechanical, body repair and electrical engineering which run over four years. They involve a combination of residential and on the job training working towards an apprenticeship in Transporting Engineering Maintenance.

For further information on Stagecoach UK Bus visit www.stagecoachbus.com/chesterfield.

OTHER STORIES

"WE HAVE REMEMBERED THEM" CHESTERFIELD HONOURS THE
FALLEN -
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month, Chesterfield, as it always does, fell silent to honour and remember those who have fallen in conflicts recent and past.
More, Audio & Video...

CHESTERFIELD TOWN TAKES PRIDE IN REMEMBERING -
They came to remember, Chesterfield's veterans shared their private memories of war on the most public of occasions - Remembrance Sunday More, Audio & Video...

LOCAL CHESTERFIELD VETERAN TO MARCH AT THE CENOTAPH IN LONDON -
A registered blind ex-soldier from Derbyshire will be remembering friends and family killed in action when he takes part in the Remembrance Sunday march to the Cenotaph with Blind Veterans UK. More...

CHESTERFIELD REMEMBERS THE DEAD -
Chesterfield residents will come together to remember those who have died in conflicts since 1914. More...

CHESTERFIELD CHURCH AND ROTARY CLUB JOIN FORCES TO SELL POPPIES -
Chesterfield's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with members of the Rotary Club, have joined forces to sell poppies for the poppy appeal. More...

NEW ROC CAFE IN CHESTERFIELD HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS -
A local drop-in centre, at Grace Chapel, has recently been made a ROC Cafe for the work it does within the community. More...

'COMPUTER SAYS YES' IN CHESTERFIELD JOBCENTRE -
Old-fashioned 'signing-on', job cards in windows, and Full Monty-style dole queues have been consigned to the past as Chesterfield Jobcentre is among those to undergo a digital revolution. More...

THE LARGEST FALL
IN UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES SINCE RECORDS BEGAN -
Unemployment has seen the largest annual fall since records began over 40 years ago. More...

"ALL ABOUT LOVE!" CHESTERFIELD UNVEILS NEW CANNELE TWIST RING-
An award-winning designer was at a Chesterfield jewellery store on Saturday - showcasing his range of statement pieces and unveiling his Cannele twist engagement ring.
More...

FUNERAL PLANS FOR DOWAGER DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE ARE ANNOUNCED -
It's been announced that the funeral service for Deborah, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire will be held at 12 noon, at St Peter's Church, Edensor on Thursday 2nd October 2014. More...

POSSIBLE STRIKE ACTION MAY HIT
TRAIN SERVICES
THIS WEEKEND -
Chesterfield train commuters may face a week of disruption to services as East Midlands Trains' engineering and maintenance staff will strike unless an agreement can be reached More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL SCHEME TO HELP FIRST TIME BUYERS
IS EXTENDED -
A scheme to get house buyers in Chesterfield on the first step of the property ladder is being extended so applicants can buy homes costing up to £150,000. More...

POUNDLAND DOUBLES IT'S VALUE AS NEW STORE OPENS IN CHESTERFIELD -
Poundland, Europe's biggest single price discount retailer, will be opening a second store in Chesterfield on Ravenside Retail Park on 27th September - creating 30 jobs for the local community. More...

DEBORAH, DOWAGER DUCHESS OF DEVONSHIRE DIES, AGED 94 -
Chatsworth has announced that Deborah, Dowager Duchess of Devonshire passed away this morning, Wednesday, September 24th. More...

STAGECOACH BUS DRIVERS BIDDING FOR PASSENGERS VOTES TO WIN STAR TITLE -
Bus passengers in Chesterfield are being encouraged to vote for their favourite driver and be in with a chance of winning a top prize. More...

TV STAR VISITS THE PROACT STADIUM
AND TALKS UNKNOWN QUANTITIES -
Jesse McClure, star of Storage Hunters - currently airing on satellite channel Dave - was in town on Friday visiting the PROACT stadium More & Audio...

CASA ADDS UNIQUE WEDDING SPLENDOUR AT WALTON LODGE AND WEDDING FAYRE-
Casa Hotel is adding a further string to its wedding bow by offering weddings at the captivating Walton Lodge as well as staging their own Autumn Wedding Fayre on Sunday 21st September. More...

HIGHWAYS AGENCY WANT YOUR VIEWS
ON PLANNED M1 IMPROVEMENTS -
The Highways Agency has said it is planning to undertake improvements to the M1 through delivering a smart motorway between junctions 28 to 31 and between junctions 32 to 35a. More...

CLARENCE HOUSE ANNOUNCE A NEW ROYAL BABY IS ON THE WAY! -
It's been announced this morning that HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second baby. More...

JEWELLERY DESIGNER PAYS HOMAGE TO HER DERBYSHIRE ROOTS -
One local designer, who says the hills and landscapes of her home county - Derbyshire - provides inspiration for her unique creations, is now showcasing her wares in Chesterfield More...

INQUEST RESPONSE TO INSPECTION REPORT ON HMYOI HINDLEY -
The Chief Inspector of Prisons has today published an inspection report on HMYOI Hindley that notes, despite 'significant improvements', Hindley was 'still struggling to keep some of the boys it held safe'. More...

CHESTERFIELD ARMY CADET PASSES OUT FROM SANDHURST MILITARY ACADEMY -
A young cadet from Chesterfield has joined around 200 fellow graduates in a prestigious ceremony as she passed out from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst More...

'FARM TO FORK' ROADSHOW HITS CHESTERFIELD'S TESCO EXTRA -
Tesco customers are being invited TODAY (Friday, 125th August) to the Chesterfield Tesco Extra store at Lockoford Lane, for a 'Farm to Fork' roadshow. More...

THE SHORTLIST FOR THE 2014 FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS IS ANNOUNCED -
24 food and drink businesses have been shortlisted across nine categories in the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, organised in association with Chesterfield College - headline sponsor of the awards for the second year running. More...

FLOODING AND ROAD COLLAPSE CHAOS FOLLOWING HEAVY DOWNPOURS -
Chesterfield was once again left struggling with flooding at major junctions into the town tonight following heavy rain in the early evening. More...

NEW MARKHAM DEVELOPMENT BRINGS FURTHER JOBS BOOST -
A new family pub and restaurant development is to open on Derbyshire County Council's flagship regeneration site bringing 40 jobs to the area. More...

LOCAL MCDONALD'S VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP CHESTERFIELD SKATE PARK -
Local McDonald's franchisee, Walter Wright and crew from the two restaurants in Chesterfield joined forces to tackle litter in the local skate park situated in-between the two restaurants. More...

DERBYSHIRE COMPANIES URGED TO EXPLORE OMAN AND QATAR -
Forward-thinking local companies are being urged to make the most of business opportunities in some of the fastest growing areas in the world, as export body UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) launch a high profile market visit to Oman and Qatar. More...

HAVE WE GOT A HANDLE ON ONLINE GAMBLING? (GUEST ARTICLE) -
With the World Cup finally ended, sports betting and online gambling in general has been making the headlines for more than a few reasons recently. More...

COUNCILLORS CAMPAIGN FOR
SAFER EXIT FROM WHITTINGTON STORE -
Cllrs David and Paul Stone have been campaigning on behalf of local residents for a clearer and improved view of passing vehicles when cars are exiting the Tescos Store on the High Street at Whittington. More...

NEXT STOP, AWARD WINNING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME -
Three talented young people are being given the opportunity to join one of the transport industry’s leading engineering apprenticeship programmes. More...

CHESTERFIELD TURNS OUT TO WELCOME HOME THE LANCERS -
The 9/12th Lancers, marched through Chesterfield this morning as part of their homecoming parade after returning from an eight month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
More, Pics & Audio...

CHESTERFIELD SOLDIER READY TO PARADE THROUGH HER HOME TOWN -
Soldiers from the 9/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales') are looking forward to marching through the streets of Chesterfield tomorrow - Thursday, 3rd July More...

NEW FOOTBRIDGE IS OPENED AT CHESTERFIELD CANAL FESTIVAL -
The new Constitution Hill Footbridge, built over Chesterfield Canal in Staveley has been officially opened More...