A 19-year-old who works at Cwmbran’s Mitsubishi dealership has been named by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK as the winner of a new Apprentice of the Year award.

Tom Davies, who works at Colley Mitsubishi in Maendy Way, is the first Mitsubishi Motors apprentice to win the award, which has been introduced to recognise the achievements of second-year students who are participating in the manufacturer’s three-year advanced apprenticeship. He scooped the award after impressing the manufacturer’s tutors with his aptitude for learning and consistently high exam scores.

Mitsubishi Motors established the award following the rapid growth of its apprenticeship programme. All those enrolled on the course work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles from the Institute of the Motor Industry, the professional association for the people working in the motor trade.

Tom, who lives in Magor, undergoes block release technical training at Mitsubishi Motors’ Gloucestershire HQ and intensive, ‘hands-on’ tuition at Colley Motors.

The Undy AFC player joined the family-owned dealership shortly after school and is now considered to be an invaluable part of the team. He has one more year of his apprenticeship to complete before he achieves official Mitsubishi technician status.

Lee Richards, after sales manager, said: “I wasn’t surprised to hear Tom won the award as in 25 years of being in the motor industry, he’s one of the best apprentices that I’ve ever worked with. He’s made excellent progress and has a fantastic attitude, always being willing to take on new challenges and try his best.”

Tom added: “It’s very nice to win the award, especially as the other guys on my course are of a really high standard. It’s a great atmosphere at Colley Motors and the whole apprenticeship structure has really helped me, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learnt.”