Shropshire teenager swaps toilet brush for top apprenticeship
A Telford teenager has swapped a toilet brush for a toolbox after winning a place on a leading apprentice scheme at SP Holding Renault Trucks.
Reece Roberts, 18, from Apley, has been taken on as the dealership’s first HGV master technician apprentice.
Reece spent six months cleaning portable toilets for another division at the SP Holding Group’s HQ in Horsehay, Telford, when his diligence and aptitude for hard work was spotted.
He said: “The portable toilets obviously have to be cleaned when they come back off hire. It’s not the most pleasant job but its work and I was glad to have the chance to do it. Now it’s led to a great opportunity.”
Tony Williams, the Service Manager at SP Holding, said: “This apprenticeship represents an investment of £60,000 over three years. We recognise the importance of employing skilled specialists who aspire to be the best in their field.
“We were very impressed with the way Reece applied himself to cleaning toilets. People like to say that teenagers today don’t like doing difficult jobs, but he proved he was up to the task.”
The HGV master technician apprenticeship involves ongoing practical training at SP Holding Renault Trucks, with regular courses at one of one of the national training centres.
SP Holding, well know for its specialist drainage services, opened its Renault Truck dealership in 2010 as part of an ongoing plan to diversify into logistics services.
Steve Holding, Managing Director of the SP Holding Group, said: “I’m passionate about the need to give young people opportunities. We’re aiming to have at least two apprentices on site at any one time. It’s the life-blood of the company.”
