Building Better Futures - Apprentices

Added: 14 October 2019

It’s no secret that City West Commercials have a talent for securing award winning apprentices having won Commercial Vehicle Technical Apprentice of the Year twice. 

Not only demonstrating our investment in young people within in the industry, the drive continues to spotlight our apprentices and what’s more identify that unique mentor / apprentice bond - part of our proven success with apprentices. Being committed to the brand and apprenticeship and with great attention to detail we explore the winning formula and catch up with the finalists and the team that backs them all the way.

“New Actros defines our City West pillar of ‘Innovation’ and it’s this that inspires me. Being innovative to me means I can explore how to make things better. City West and Gary allow me to explore this every day.” 

Ollie Leighfield - right in picture

“I’m focused on my apprenticeship, it’s much more than that to me, it’s a long standing and outstanding career for me.”

Euan Webber - left in picture

For our Team 

With 7 new core innovations Mercedes-Benz have launched new Actros and with passion for the product and eagerness to learn outside the box, Ollie was challenged by his mentor Gary Voisey to learn beyond the workshop and joined our Truck Sales Team and Director, Paul Ridout at Truckfest south west. Ollie gave up his time to learn and experience an entirely different area of business and joined the show along with our community, industry peers and showcase new Actros to the next generation. Paul Ridout, Truck Sales Director also added "It’s not only new Actros that is a game changer. Ollie has shown that by coming to truckfest he can bring his skills outside the workshop and demonstrate his flair for the industry and be a role model to our community.” 

Can do attitude 

Committed to the brand and apprenticeship and with great attention to detail –  Joe Casley, Depot Manager shared his views on Euan's progression this year. “Euan has progressed further than any year 1 apprentice I have worked with, helping strip gearboxes and engine, most notably the Combine V8 we had in recently. I have not seen Euan back down from a challenge yet, and even the more difficult tasks he utilises the resources available to him to complete the work. Be that experienced technicians like his Mentor Chris Phillips, or using the online tools to identify correct working instructions.” 

Mentors that are in the driving seat.

Apprentices are supported in turn by mentors and Ollie's bond with his mentor Gary Voisey is key to his success. Gary added “What is greater than the learning is the progression for us both and creating a seamless transition to achieve it. This is compounded by the fact we apply an ownership of trust built through expertise and authoritativeness. With my recent promotion, Ollie has the unique opportunity to follow my lead and this gives him more leverage to progress himself but also use his initiative, as my new role comes with more responsibility. To this end, Ollie has proven his autonomy in delivering outstanding workmanship.” 

Further down the M5 Chris Phillips, Euan’s mentor explains how team work is key to their partnership. 

“Euan shows team work and understanding of the business on a daily basis, often putting himself out to help the business and his teammates, whether that’s with flexibility on daily tasks, assisting with changes in his shift pattern to accommodate, or being the first to put his hand up when help is required”

Exploring the winning formula with Will Stewart. 

Will who works at City West was awarded the prestigious Commercial Vehicle Technical Apprentice of the Year by Mercedes-Benz in 2018 and reinforces our commitment to investing in talent. Will commented: “My apprenticeship afforded me the opportunity to do something ‘hands on’ and I have received plenty of support along the way from the team. Best of all, this is so much more than just a job. I have a fulfilling career laid out in front of me.” 

Fast Facts

• Ollie is in his third year of his apprentice due to graduate in 2020.  
• Ollie is 1 of 70 in Mercedes-Benz programme known to have gained HGV and PSV Licence and works on cutting edge technology with new Actros.
• Euan is in his first year of his apprenticeship and based at Exeter

Follow the journey to the Commercial Motor Awards and view the final shortlist here