5th September 2019 | Ford & Slater DAF
Lee Sursham is a Regional Finalist for the National Apprenticeships Awards 2019

We are delighted to announce that our very own Lee Sursham has been announced as a regional finalist in the Apprenticeship Champion of the Year category for the East Midlands at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2019!

Since 2003, The National Apprenticeship Awards has been a fantastic opportunity to highlight and recognise the individual and business success brought by apprenticeship schemes from all different sectors. In particular, the Apprenticeship Champion of the Year category showcases individuals who ‘go above and beyond’ to advocate apprenticeships with a passion.

Ford & Slater has been a passionate supporter of the DAF Apprentice Programme since 1995 with over 2000 apprentices having completed the DAF Programme and from there more than 300 apprentices progressing through to Ford & Slater. 

Lee Sursham took on the newly created role of Apprentice Co-Ordinator at Ford & Slater and has made the position his own since that time. Lee has been nominated for this award by DAF Trucks UK due to his “inspirational enthusiasm, determination and commitment” towards providing the apprentices with many opportunities to support the growth of the apprentice scheme which helps prepare for and progress towards building an excellent and sustainable career path. 

Now retired, Business Service Manager of DAF Trucks UK, Tony Shepard said, “The decision by Ford & Slater to employ Lee as a dedicated Group Apprentice Coordinator has proven to be inspirational. His creativity, inventiveness and leadership of the Ford and Slater Apprentices has impressed everyone involved in the DAF Apprentice Programme.”

Lee currently has 52 apprentices under his wing and has many future plans to make sure the number of apprentices grow. Regarding his nomination, Lee commented: “I am delighted and humbled to have been nominated for the award. Having started as an apprentice myself, I fully recognise that they are the future of our organisation! I want to be able to utilise the technical skills and experience I have gained to help other young talents reach their true potential and transition into successful and hardworking technicians.”

The winners from the Apprenticeship National Awards 2019 will be announced on Friday 27th September 2019. Good Luck Lee – we’re all rooting for you!