Celebrating Success and Sustainability: Highlights from Vella
Our partners Vella were proud to celebrate the achievements of both apprentices and mentors at the ABP Night of Knights in November, where dedication, skill, and mentorship were honoured.
Adam Sheth, a second-year multi-skilled apprentice at their Preston site, was named a finalist for Apprentice of the Year. Adam’s exceptional commitment and talent have made him a standout within the business. Although he didn’t take home the award, he continues to impress with his hard work and passion for learning.
Technical Training Manager Allan Wareing shared, “Adam is a fantastic apprentice with an amazing attitude. He has quickly developed skills across all three disciplines and consistently receives glowing feedback from managers and tutors alike. His future is incredibly bright!”
Two of their mentors, Adam Smith (Paint Team Leader at Coventry) and David Roberts (Paint Technician at Manchester Trafford Park), were finalists in the Apprentice Mentor of the Year category. Their dedication to guiding apprentices has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.
We’re so pleased for all three finalists – Adam Sheth, Adam Smith, and David Roberts – for their achievements and continued commitment to excellence. They represent the heart of our mission to grow and support talent across the industry.
Driving Sustainability at the Vella Group & LKQ Apprentice Sustainability Day
Sustainability is at the core of the automotive repair industry’s future, and Vella apprentices recently had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills at the LKQ Apprentice Sustainability Day.
The two-day training event, held at the LKQ Academy, brought together apprentices from Vella’s North and South regions to explore sustainable practices in vehicle repair:
Morning sessions: An introduction by LKQ’s Head of Technical, Lee Berridge, on topics like CO2 emissions and carbon reduction.
Practical workshops:
- Sustainable paint application using the Akzo Nobel Sikkens Aerodry range.
- Plastic repair and welding techniques with Plastrepair EU Limited.
- Interactive learning: Apprentices participated in hands-on exercises and rotated between sessions to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices.
The event was a huge success, offering apprentices valuable insights into sustainability and equipping them with skills that align with the industry’s evolving needs.
These initiatives not only reinforce Vella’s commitment to sustainability but also prepare apprentices to lead the charge in a more sustainable future for the industry.
Looking Ahead
With Vella, we’re looking forward to continuing to support and develop the next generation of automotive repair professionals. The achievements and experiences of these apprentices and mentors reflect the bright future ahead.
