Lancashire based Riggs Autopack Ltd, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of depositing and filling machines, has helped a budding engineer from the local area to win a much coveted Training 2000 Apprentice Award.

Former student of Nelson's Fisher More School, Mr Jamie Southworth, received the ‘Best Performance Award’ from Training 2000, the largest independent training provider in the North-West, in recognition of his outstanding exam results and high standard of work.

Training 2000’s Chief Executive Mr Steve Gray, presented the award to the 20 year old apprentice at a special awards dinner held at a hotel in Clayton-Le-Moors, Lancashire earlier this month.

Riggs Autopack believe in investing in people and is committed to encouraging and supporting apprenticeships, which are essential for boosting skills in the region.

Mr Southworth applied for an apprentice position with the company after his first placement proved disappointing because he felt that there was not enough scope for learning. He transferred to Riggs Autopack for the variation of work that he would be able to do and wide range of skills he would subsequently acquire.

He says: "One of the main benefits of doing my apprenticeship with Riggs was the diverse nature of the day to day work I was able to take on. This, teamed with on-going training from both work and college, has given me an excellent experience and invaluable skill sets for the future."

Apprenticeships guarantee top quality training, whilst developing and gaining qualifications on the job and an alternative route to career success. Riggs Autopack is a forward-looking company and realises that training is paramount for businesses to flourish

Riggs Autopack’s General Manager Mr Nigel Matthews, said: "It is clear that to remain competitive, we need to ensure that more people are learning useful skills and apprenticeships have proved to be superb at making that happen and also giving people and businesses real opportunities to succeed."

Mr Matthews continued: "Jamie has shown tremendous promise whilst working with us. He has been involved in all aspects of welding and fabrication and has demonstrated the benefits of learning on the job by successfully completing a recognised apprenticeship. A combination of structured training and Jamie’s commitment has enabled him to progress in his chosen field."

Mr Southworth, who has successfully completed his four year apprenticeship is now a fully qualified welder and fabricator and is looking forward to an excellent career with Riggs Autopack.