Apprentice Engineer, Adam Payne, from Barloworld Handling’s Cardiff branch, has won the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) Apprentice of the Year Award at its annual awards for excellence.

Material handling specialist, Barloworld Handling, has run its apprentice engineer scheme for over 40 years and it has become one of the most popular of its type in the UK. Barloworld partners with a select number of learning providers across the country including the City of Bristol College to support its 4 year apprentice programme with vocational training leading to an NVQ level 3 or BTEC qualification in forklift engineering. Such is the quality of Barloworld’s up-and-coming engineers that City of Bristol College, nominated three of its apprentices for the 2011 FLTA award, and the company was delighted when Adam scooped the top prize. 

“We are extremely proud of Adam and it’s gratifying to see his efforts being rewarded through the award of this prestigious title” says Phil Bastow, Managing Director of Barloworld Handling.  “The FLTA Awards for Excellence represent a major event in the materials handling industry calendar and are extremely competitive, so it’s a great accolade for Adam and also an acknowledgement of the quality of our Apprentice scheme.”

A judging panel, made up of representatives of the FLTA, carried out interviews with all nominees before selecting 20 year old Adam as the Apprentice of the Year.  He was presented with the award at the FLTA National Awards ceremony in Birmingham, in February. 

Presenting the Award, Association Chairman Martyn Fletcher said “Apprenticeships are an ideal way for talented young engineers to enter our industry, earning while they train... and for employers to benefit from bright and much-needed recruits. Adam is an excellent example of the benefits an apprenticeship can bring.”

Also nominated for the award, were Barloworld apprentices, Paul Waddell from Cumbernauld and Craig Boyle from Barloworld Handling’s Defence Logistics Support division.

Barloworld Handling has worked in close partnership with City of Bristol College, for several years to develop better teaching methods and enhance learning conditions.   A variety of equipment has been donated to the college by Barloworld Handling, which has enabled the apprentices and others to train on up-to-date equipment.

City of Bristol College has also acknowledged the excellence of Barloworld Handling’s Apprentice scheme, by awarding the company the ‘Employer of the Year Award’.  The award was presented recently to Barloworld Handling National Service Manager, Ian Roberts, and Barloworld Handling Technical Training Team Leader and Apprentice Scheme Manager, Stuart Rimmer, at Bristol City Football Club. 

Barloworld Handling continues to invest in its apprentice scheme and take on new recruits despite the downturn in the economy. This investment is a key part of its strategy to ensure customers’ receive the highest levels of service so their forklift truck fleets are productive. The company continues to work closely with City of Bristol College, enabling development of its Apprentice Programme and helping to maintain it as an industry leader. Over the last twenty years Barloworld Handling has recruited over 200 apprentices to its scheme and over 80% of these are still working within the business today.  Barloworld currently has 55 apprentices on its 4 year programme and receives several hundred applications a year from hopeful candidates.

Upon successful completion of the fully funded four year training programme, Barloworld Handling Apprentices achieve NVQ level 3 or BTEC qualifications in Forklift Engineering.   

Barloworld Handling is the UK’s exclusive distribution partner for forklift manufacturer Hyster who was also celebrating at the Awards after receiving the Environment Award for its tyre saving axle.