How you can help top Rotherham apprentice Matthew Turner scoop national title

Matthew Turner won the title at the National Apprenticeship Awards for Yorkshire & the Humber ceremony in Leeds last month.

The 21-year-old is an accident repair technician at Gemini Accident Repair Centre in North Street, Rotherham.

Now in their 16th year, the awards showcase the diverse and growing range of sectors engaged with apprenticeships, while celebrating the achievements of outstanding apprentices, apprentice employers and individuals to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and champion apprenticeships across England. 

Matthew repairs a wide range of vehicles, alongside qualified technicians, and he regularly volunteers to speak at schools and events.

Matthew, of Worsborough, Barnsley, said: “I am stunned to have won something of this magnitude, I feel like a celebrity! 

“It means a great deal to me, my employer and my family. 

“I feel like I’ve gained skills in teamwork, leadership and I don’t think I would have got that from university so that’s really set me up well for the future. 

“I hope my employer has gained a great role model for other apprentices and a technician for life.”

Matthew, who was one of 17 regional winners, said the award had motivated him to “aspire to be better everyday”.

He now goes through to the national final, which takes place in London on  November 27.  

The national winner of the Rising Star of the Year award will be decided, in part, by a public vote which closes next Friday (October 18) at 5pm via the National Apprenticeship Awards website.

Visit appawards.co.uk to vote.