Gary Lothian, from the Roads and Fleet Management team at Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has scooped the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Transport and Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice/trainee of the year award.

The APSE apprentice and trainee awards scheme has been running for 12 years throughout the UK.

The aim of the awards, which are open to every authority in the UK, is not only to give recognition to future tradespeople, but also to Councils who continue to invest in and provide first class training and employment initiatives in Modern Apprenticeship schemes.

Gary has also been recognised by Carlisle College by being named the National Environmental Apprentice of the Year in Transport and Vehicle maintenance. This is known as the GEN II Breakthrough Award. Gary saw off competition from more 80 other candidates.

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One of the most noteable projects from his college course and apprenticeship was his work in designing a new way for the parks department to load engine-propelled grass cutting equipment on to pick up trucks more safely. The new system is so successful that a local manufacturer has offered to take on the design and is now producing specifically designed trailers based on Gary’s work.

APSE also made an award to the Roads and Fleet team for its apprentice training scheme – recognising the work and training of Bruce Moffat, Fleet Maintenance Manager, and John Martin, Fleet Manager, in ensuring that apprentices have the skills and knowledge to progress their careers to the best of their ability.

Alasdair Hutton, Convener of the Council, presented Gary with his awards at last week’s full Council meeting and said: "We are very proud of what Gary has achieved for the Council and the Borders. He has worked extremely hard to achieve these two awards and can feel proud to be chosen from more 80 other candidates.

"The fact that his trailer design has been taken forward by a manufacturer shows a strong understanding of what is required on a practical level. I would like to congratulate Gary on behalf of everyone at the Council."

Gary joined SBC in June 2007 as an apprentice blacksmith in the fabrication workshop. He worked on a vast range of vehicles and plant, and successfully completed an NVQ level 3 in fabrication and welding whilst carrying out his work.

(GK/BMcC)