An apprentice mechanic from First Aberdeen has been named First Bus ‘Apprentice of the Year 2012’. Peter Christie (30) from Bucksburn (Aberdeen) saw off competition from more than 60 apprentices from throughout First’s UK bus operations.
Peter, who started working for First in 2008 as a cleaner, was also awarded the company’s ‘Outstanding Mechanical Student’ at an awards ceremony at Manchester College, where all First apprentices spend set periods developing their skills.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to have won these awards,” said Peter, who began his apprenticeship in 2010. “I’ve progressed from cleaning buses to fixing them.”
Peter said he applied for an apprentice position at First Aberdeen having read a recruitment advert on one of the buses he was cleaning. “I’ve always enjoyed using my hands and learning how machines work, so when I saw the ad, I thought why not. I was very fortunate to have been selected – I’m now in a career that I really enjoy and the future is looking bright.”
He added: “No two days at First are the same and I’m always learning new skills. Winning the two awards was a big surprise, but my main aim is to graduate as a mechanic and continue to look after the buses at First Aberdeen.”
Jon Eardley, Engineering Director at First Aberdeen, said: “Peter’s dependability, hard work and leadership qualities impressed us whilst he was working as a cleaner. We were therefore very pleased when he applied to be an apprentice – he has excelled in the last two years and I’m delighted with his progress. He thoroughly deserved to do so well at the First Bus Apprentice Awards.”
The First Bus Apprentice of the Year Awards ceremony was held at Manchester College on 29 May. The winners were as follows:
• Outstanding Electrical Student – Elizabeth Shepherd, Bolton depot
• Outstanding Mechanical Student – Peter Christie, Aberdeen depot
• Outstanding Body Repair Student – Adam Smith, Lowestoft depot
• Overall First Bus Apprentice of the Year – Peter Christie, Aberdeen depot