AN award-winning apprentice has earned another accolade.

Ashley Haslam, of Bolton College, was highly commended at the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards Finals in London.

The annual event celebrates apprenticeships and apprentices who have made a significant contribution to their workplace.

Ashley beat more than 1,000 applicants to be recognised in the category of “Intermediate Apprentice of the Year”.

Last September, he was Highly Commended at the Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Ashley took his boss Nigel Wilson, his proud parents Sue and Chris, and his college assessor, Dave Crumblehulme to the ceremony.

Ashley, aged 24, who works as an apprentice mechanic at Wilson’s Autos in Brown Street in Bolton and is currently completing a Level 3 motor vehicle apprenticeship, said: “This is the third award I have won in the past six months, and the fact I’ve been recognised yet again is still sinking in. It was a privilege to be nominated alongside some really inspirational people.”

Ashley left school with very low confidence and self-esteem, but with a burning ambition to become a mechanic. He enrolled on a mainstream motor vehicle course, but found he couldn’t keep up with the demands, which meant he was unemployed and out of education.

However, through a partnership between Bolton College and Jobcentre Plus, Ashley completed some short courses in the community, which led to a traineeship, and then an apprenticeship. At Wilson’s Autos, he has taken on a pivotal role, working independently and even acting as sole mechanic when his employer went on holiday.

Mr Wilson said: “Ashley has been an exemplary employee, he has a great work ethic and he has made a really positive impact on my business.”

Mr Crumblehulme, added:”Helping students like Ashley fulfil their potential is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

Bill Webster, principal of Bolton College, added: “Ashley deserves his moment in the spotlight, and we are so proud of him. Ashley’s success is not only a testament to his hard work and commitment, but also to the time and effort the college staff.”