Wienerberger is celebrating after one of its apprentices was named a double award winner at the annual Apprenticeship Awards. Mitchell Bates, a Wienerberger advanced apprentice at the company’s Hartlebury site, was named First Year BTEC Electrical Engineering Student of the Year, and also won the Most Improved Apprentice of the Year award.

Now in the second year of a four-year scheme, Mr Bates’ awards reflect the personal and academic progress made over the course of his time at Wienerberger, something which is further amplified by the completion of extra modules during the first year of his apprenticeship. Following completion of the second year of his apprenticeship, Mr Bates plans to advance to higher education and commence a Higher National Certificate in the coming academic year.

Melvyn Hudson, maintenance manager at Wienerberger’s Waresley Plant, said: “We’re thrilled to see Mr Bates named both Electrical Engineering Student of the Year and Most Improved Apprentice, as both awards are thoroughly deserved. We’ve always been very impressed with the way that he has conducted himself, ever since we first met him in Spring of 2014 when he made his initial apprenticeship enquiry.

“He’s always bristled with enthusiasm and confidence, which is very refreshing to see, and also has a great work ethic - he had to work very hard to get to the level he is currently at, and even completed extra modules in the first year of his programme in order to complete it. We look forward to watching Mr Bates progress in his career, and receive recognition for his achievements.”