Steer Automotive Group shone a light on its apprentice talents during the Steer Academy Apprentice Awards 2024 celebration held at 3M’s Innovation Centre.
Hosted by Steer’s Head of Academy & Organisation Development, Steve Hoe the event recognised the depth, diversity and strength of talent now across the business.
Steve said, “Since this time last year, I’m delighted to say our apprentice programme has more than doubled in number. This very special occasion recognises all the hard work of the apprentices, the team and our supporters in making the Academy what it is today. We really are delighted with the progress.”
CEO of Steer, Richard Steer provided an overview of developments across the business emphasising how investment in the future was core to the overarching strategy. He revealed how the business now boasts 340 apprentices (Vs 148 in 2023) which now make up 15% of the overall business workforce. Another key metric highlighted was the uplift in the number of female apprentices, now at 41 compared to 11 in 2023.
“Apprentices are our future,” said Richard, “people repair things – collectively. Knowing we have the technical capability and the people to provide solutions for customers of any type makes me immensely proud.”
The awards went to:
- Regional Apprentice of the Year – North East & Scotland
Emmi Docherty, Panel/MET Apprentice, Newcastle Central - Regional Apprentice of the Year – East of England
Nathan Hoe, Panel Apprentice, Sleaford - Regional Apprentice of the Year – Central, London & Essex
Madison Godfrey, Paint Apprentice, Moorside - Regional Apprentice of the Year – South & Wales
Liam Fowler, Paint Apprentice, Horsham - Business Support Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Dom Motani, VDA, Polegate
Highly Commended: Billy Boswell, HR Advisor, Steer People team - Mentor of the Year
Chris Flindall, Paint Lead Technician, Brentwood - Paint Apprentice of the Year
Rosie Smith, Basingstoke, South & Wales - Panel Apprentice of the Year
Harley Chambers, Basingstoke, South & Wales - MET Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Sam Keil, Chichester, South & Wales
Highly Commended: Finn Flint, Worthing, South & Wales - Trainer of the Year
Satpal Thamu, Learning & Skills Trainer, Emtec - Rising Star of the Year
Oliver Robinson, Multiskilled Apprentice, Lincoln - Outstanding Achievement Award (new)
Miguel Harvey, Paint Technician
Alongside guest speaker British Racing Driver, Max Coates, World Skills Finalist, Lyon Miguel Harvey (Paint Technician at Steer Automotive) provided an insight into his meteoric journey from entering the programme in 2022 to winning a Medal of Excellence of 2024. He highlighted the hard work and dedication involved but endorsed it to his peers as an incredible and rewarding journey to undertake.
The event was sponsored by Axalta, Upol, Toyota Trade Parts, LKQ, Solera Audatex, Storm Auto Services, Enterprise, Stanners Equipment, ASM Auto Recycling, 3M and Synetiq.
The awards were judged by an independent panel of industry experts.
