A WordSkills UK finalist has been named winner of the Scania UK Apprentice of the Year 2022 Award.
George Hinkley, from South Mimms service centre, triumphed at the competition at Scania’s Loughborough technical centre.
On his way to the title, Hinkley battled with fellow candidates Ben Woodbine, Purfleet, Kevin Latta and Andrew Maddison.
Essentially, the four finalists were picked by training provider Remit Training.
The quartet were chosen from the Scania UK graduate intake of 80 apprentices for 2021/22.
In the competition, the contenders faced practical challenges and also theoretical scenarios.
Therefore, they were being judges on their capabilities, training and mettle.
For example, the tasks included diagnosing fuelling and electrical faults as well as setting the valve clearance on an industrial engine.
In conclusion, the four faced a 50-question theory test.
Hinkley said he was shocked to win as he weans’t expecting the result.
“I was confident I had done well throughout the day,” he admitted.
However, to be named Scania UK Apprentice of the Year is amazing.
“I love the company and I love my job and to prove that I’m one of the best apprentices at Scania is amazing.”
Continuing, Hinkley said the honour has earned him more respect in the workshop and given him more confidence, too.
As a result, Hinkley will also represent Scania and Remit at the WorldSkills UK Heavy Vehicle Technology finals in November.
There, he will compete against the best technicians and apprentices nationwide at Cardiff & Vale College.
Meanwhile, Aaron McGrath, head of people development at Scania UK, labelled Hinkley “a machine”!
“When it came to the tasks he was head and shoulders above anybody else,” he revealed.
“The fact he’s also representing Scania and Remit at the WorldSkills UK finals is fantastic.”
