Ryder names Glasgow technician its top apprentice

Ryder, a leading independent provider of commercial vehicle contract hire, rental, and maintenance in the UK, has named Glasgow technician Chad Johnston as its ‘Apprentice of the Programme’ for 2018.

The award is given out annually to Ryder’s graduate technicians at a ceremony to mark the end of their three-year training programme, and the start of their career as a fully-qualified technician with the company. Now in its seventh year, the event recognises technical excellence, work quality and all-round performance among Ryder’s highest-achieving graduates. On average, the firm recruits 12 apprentice technicians each year as part of its investment in training.

The technicians will support Ryder’s customers in its network of 23 locations, keeping around 20,000 trucks, trailers, and vans on the road.

Chad Johnston was presented with the award by David Hunt, Ryder’s Vice President and Managing Director for Europe, and Mark Carlin, Ryder’s Head of Operations Development, at a ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum.

Chad was rewarded with £1,000 in prize money and a VIP week-long trip for himself and a guest to the US to see the live finale of the Ryder Top Tech Recognition Program for North America in San Antonio, Texas.

After winning the award, Chad said: “I wasn’t expecting to win. It was such a shock when my photo came up and I was named. This is definitely a great achievement.”

Chad wasn’t the only winner at the ceremony: Alfie Brockwell at Heathrow was named Apprentice of the Year 2018 – Year One; Jamie Stanfield at Glasgow was named Apprentice of the Year 2018 – Year Two; and Jack Goodwin at Fenstanton was named Apprentice of the Year 2018 – Year Three.

All Ryder’s apprentices attend Stephenson College in Coalville on a block-release basis. Mark Walker, Faculty Head of Technology and Professional Services at the college, said: “All my colleagues on the Ryder programme are immensely proud of Chad. His development has been exceptional. This award demonstrates outstanding commitment, resilience, attitude and competence; yet again, there was stiff competition for the award, given the now-common exceptional standard of Ryder apprentices. Chad and his peers are a credit to Ryder and we wish them all the very best in their future careers.”

David Hunt said: “Honouring and acknowledging the work of our trainee technicians is very important. We want to make sure they embody Ryder’s values every day, as they act as extended arms of the business. I’m really proud of this group of graduates, and I’d personally like to congratulate Chad on his great achievement.”

For more information, visit ryder.co.uk