Hendy Mazda Horsham apprentice Izzie Moreland has been named Mazda Apprentice of the Year and will compete in the IMI Skills National Finals later this year.
Moreland, 27, from Crawley, was chosen from a pool of 73 apprentices across the Mazda dealer network. She has also qualified for the IMI World Skills UK National Finals in Cardiff this November in the Light Vehicle Technology category.
Mazda award win
Moreland is completing her three-year apprenticeship with Hendy Mazda Horsham through the Mazda Technical Apprenticeship Programme.
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.”
Moreland was also one of a few apprentices that were able to pass both End Point assessments first time across all areas.
Elphick added: “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.”
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”.
Skills finals place
Moreland secured her place in the IMI WorldSkills UK National Finals through the National Qualifiers held at the Delphi Technology Training Centre. The Light Vehicle Technology competition includes vehicle inspection, engine, mechanical, braking and high-voltage application tests, as well as assessment of problem solving and time management.
The IMI competition is designed to reflect the role of a modern automotive technician, including planning, maintenance, fault detection, problem solving and repair of passenger cars and light vans.
More than 500 participants took part, with the national finals designed to identify talented young apprentices working in the automotive sector and raise standards across technical skills.
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. Apprentices receive training through the Mazda Academy while gaining workplace experience within a Mazda dealership. They work towards nationally recognised qualifications alongside specialist certifications in F-Gas air conditioning, Electric Vehicle Level 2 and Hydrogen Level 1.