TDK-Lambda News

TDK Corporation announces that Daniel Lawson of TDK-Lambda UK has won the hotly contested South West finalist stage of the City & Guilds Apprenticeship of the Year Award. The award is part of the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards, which are organised by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Lawson was nominated following his significant achievements at TDK-Lambda since finishing his Apprenticeship and his involvement in championing Apprenticeships widely. He now goes through to the national stage which is a public vote. In his bid to be crowned national Apprenticeship Champion of the Year, Lawson needs your vote.

Lawson joined TDK-Lambda ten years ago as an Assembly Operator and, after his first year, was offered a City & Guilds Apprenticeship through Group Training and Development (GTD). “I have really enjoyed studying over the years,” says Lawson, “but there is no doubt that it has been tough.” Daniel completed his Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering with TDK-Lambda UK in 2007 and since then has received several promotions and gained a degree. He is now a Design Engineer at TDK-Lambda.

Daniel believes it is vitally important to promote the Apprenticeship programme and the diversity of Apprenticeships available. He has taken part in several career events at local schools and speaks passionately about Apprenticeships and the fantastic career opportunities and progression they offer. Lawson adds: “More young people need to know about the potential of vocational routes like Apprenticeships. Two things sealed the deal for me; first was the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ and the second was a guaranteed career at the end of it.”

A strong believer in the value of apprenticeships and training, Phil Scotcher, General Manager of TDK-Lambda UK, comments: “Our apprenticeship and trainee programmes are two of the major cornerstones of our training and development process, providing opportunities to employees who might otherwise miss out on career progression. Daniel’s progress is yet another terrific example of just how far up the ladder a person, with drive and determination, can climb. My admiration and congratulations go to Daniel for being awarded the title of Apprentice Champion for the South West in the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards and National Training Awards 2012.”

Dr John Chudley Divisional Area Director, for the South Division from the National Apprenticeship Service, says: “Employers across the country are proud of the contribution apprentices make to their business from day one. As part of the new era for Apprenticeships, it’s vital that we reward some of these apprentices through our awards and competitions. I encourage everyone to look at the inspirational stories of our Champion of the Year nominees and cast a vote.”

Chris Jones, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds, which is sponsoring the Apprenticeship Champion of the Year award, says: “At City & Guilds, we’re all about helping people and organisations develop their skills for personal and economic growth. Apprenticeships are a great way of helping us achieve this; they provide employers with a skilled workforce, whilst giving learners a chance to unlock their potential and progress in their careers. We truly believe in the importance of celebrating exceptional individuals who have inspired others to discover the benefits of apprenticeships, and that’s why we’re delighted to be sponsoring this award.”

Members of the public can cast their vote for Daniel Lawson at: www.apprenticeships.org.uk. The initial public vote runs until 9.00 am on 29th October. Later that day the top three scoring nominees will be announced and the finalists will have until the 4th November to push their final vote tally to a new high. The three leading scorers will be invited to the National Apprenticeship Awards, held at WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show at Birmingham on the 14th November, where the winner will be announced.

Visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600 to find out more about Apprenticeships. For more information about The Skills Show go to www.theskillsshow.com

or visit Dan's campaign page about.me/danlawson