Daniel Blake Wins “GTA England Engineering Apprentice Of The Year”

Alliance Learning Apprentice Daniel Blake, who is employed by TrakRap Ltd based in Skelmersdale, has been named ‘GTA England Engineering Apprentice of the Year’ at the 2018 Semta Skills Awards. The event took place on 1st March at the Park Plaza Hotel in London.

GTA England is a national network of high quality, employer governed delivery organisations consisting of over 33 members.

(Left to right) BBC Presenter Stephanie McGovern, Apprentices Mary Sheriff, Gemma Loader, Daniel Blake and GTA Chief Executive Mark Maudsley.

Daniel’s training Provider, Alliance Learning, is one of the North West’s largest Independent Training Providers and has been delivering Apprenticeships and training since 1966.

Daniel faced intense competition from over 12,500 potential nominees across England, however, took the title thanks to a strongly written application, and followed by an equally impressive video. The award was presented by Mark Maudsley – Chief Executive of GTA England.

Mark commented, “We were delighted to hold our awards at such a prestigious event, this allowed us to showcase the work of Group Training Association, if employers and our members are the crown of GTA England; then the Apprentices are our jewels.”

Receiving the award, Daniel said "I would like to take the opportunity to thank Alliance Learning for supporting me throughout my apprenticeship. Through their support, I was able to walk away with the GTA England Engineering Apprentice of the Year, after being put forward by Alliance when I won their Engineering and Overall Apprentice of the Year Awards. Their passion for giving learners the best apprenticeship experience possible has helped me to be in the position I am today.”

Daniel's manager, David Robinson who is the Operations Director at TrakRap had the following comments: “TrakRap are hugely proud of Danny`s achievements and the recognition he has received from GTA England. I am aware that the Engineering Apprentice of the Year award is thanks to three things – Danny`s effort, diligence & enthusiasm; Alliance Learning`s unrivalled guidance & mentorship; also the learning support provided by all of Danny`s colleagues at work. Well done Danny!"

Kelly Perkin, Operations Executive at Alliance Learning had the following comments: “We are absolutely delighted that Daniel has won this National Award. It is a tough category to win and Daniel thoroughly deserves this accolade. Daniel's commitment to his qualification, supported by our fantastic team at Alliance Learning, shone throughout his apprenticeship journey. I am sure he will continue to prosper in his future career in engineering.”

More information about GTA England can be found by visiting www.gta-england.co.uk.