From a pool of 73 apprentices across the Mazda dealer network, 27 year-old Izzie Moreland from Crawley has been named Mazda Apprentice of the Year.
Commenting on the award, David Elphick, Mazda Academy Manager, said “Izzie has been with the Mazda Apprentice programme since the beginning and has always shown her commitment to the brand. Her motivation to always strive for being the very best she can, always top in the assessments and ultra detailed with her work and training has set her apart throughout her apprenticeship. Izzie was also one of a few apprentices that were able to pass both End Point assessments first time across all areas”.
Adding, “We are incredibly proud of what she has achieved in her final year and excited that she has made the World Skills UK finals later this year. She is a great role model and advocate for women working in the automotive industry and we wish her every success as she continues her journey to becoming one of our Master Technicians.”
Undertaking her three-year apprenticeship with Hendy Mazda Horsham, Lewis Reynolds, General Manager of Hendy Horsham, said: “the whole team are delighted and very proud of Izzie’s outstanding achievement. It’s a true testament to her dedication, determination, exceptional work ethic and general positive attitude. In my opinion, the foundations of excellence”.
Adding, “Izzie is a joy to work with, always has a smile on her face and is a valued member of the team. Her success is richly deserved and serves as an inspiration to others considering a career in our industry”.
A further mark of Izzie’s success is that she has qualified for the Institute of The Motor Industry (IMI)^ World Skills UK National Finals this November in the Light Vehicle Technology category. Gaining a place via the National Qualifiers held at the Delphi Technology Training Centre, the Light Vehicle Technology tasks include vehicle inspection, engine, mechanical, braking, high-voltage application tests as well as assessment of skills such as problem solving and time management.
The IMI competition is designed to reflect the work role of a modern automotive technology technician, including skills such as time management, planning, maintenance, fault detection, problem solving and repair of passenger cars and light vans. From over 500 participants, Izzie qualified for the Nationals Finals that set out to identify the most talented young apprentices working in the automotive sector. Taking place each year, they are designed to raise standards and levels of expertise in technical skills across key automotive industry areas.
Commenting on being named Mazda Apprentice of the Year and looking ahead to November’s IMI National Finals, Izzie Moreland, said: “Winning Mazda UK Apprentice of the Year is an incredible honour and it reflects the knowledge, skills and experience I’ve gained over the last three years. As a female apprentice in the automotive industry, I hope this achievement encourages more women to believe in their abilities, challenge expectations and pursue careers they are passionate about.”
The Mazda Technical Apprenticeship Programme is designed to develop the next generation of skilled Mazda technicians. Throughout the three-year programme, apprentices receive industry-leading training through the Mazda Academy while gaining valuable workplace experience within a Mazda dealership.
Apprentices work towards gaining nationally recognised qualifications alongside specialist certifications in F-Gas (Air Conditioning), Electric Vehicle Level 2 and Hydrogen Level 1. On completion, apprentices also achieve the prestigious Mazda Service Technician Accreditation.
To find out more about the Mazda Technical Apprenticeship Programme or how to apply, please contact MazdaApprentices@mazdaeur.com
^for more information on IMI: https://www.theimi.org.uk/
