MGTS Annual Awards September 2009 - Dudley College Award for First Year BTEC National Student of the Year
First Year BTEC National Student of the Year
Paul Cope
Age: 19
From: Croft Road, Stockingford, Nuneaton
Employer: Denso Sales UK, Walsgrave Triangle, Coventry.
Nuneaton teenager Paul Cope was the winner of the First Year BTEC National Student of the Year award at the annual MGTS ceremony held in Coventry last night.
At the event, held at the Ricoh Arena, Paul said, "I feel really pleased as I have put so much effort in. I have really enjoyed the training at MGTS."
Paul is one of the sponsored apprentices placed by specialist engineering training provider MGTS in the Facilities Section of the Engine Management Systems Engineering Department at DENSO Sales UK Ltd, Walsgrave Triangle, Coventry - a global supplier of automotive technology, systems and components.
He left school at 18 with two A-levels in physics and geography and one AS-level in maths but felt disappointed with his results.
The 19-year-old from Croft Road, Stockingford, gained a place on MGTS’ sponsored programme but he wasn’t sure it was the right decision until he began his apprenticeship.
He said: “I thought that I should really go to uni and get a degree but since I have been at MGTS, I have realised the benefits of earning while you learn. The training has been first class – they teach you every aspect of engineering, including electrical, mechanical and maintenance skills. Now I am lucky enough to have begun a career at a massive corporation which offers me the chance to grow, learn and climb the career ladder. This has been a great opportunity for me at a time of huge recession.
“For anyone who has serious aspirations to become an engineer – I would definitely recommend this route.”
''Paul is a superb all round student who was easily the best in the year group,’ says BTEC Curriculum Leader Marcus Eassom. ‘His assignments were all at distinction level and his contribution in class was excellent.’
Paul was one of 14 adults and young people singled out for awards for excellence at MGTS’ annual awards event (September 21, 2009).
The ceremony was attended by more than 200 guests from Coventry, Warwickshire and the surrounding areas, including apprentices, graduates, employers, schools, and representatives from Dudley College and the Learning and Skills Council Coventry and Warwickshire.
Daniel Gidney, Chief Executive of the Ricoh arena and an awards presenter at the ceremony, said: "We are delighted to be able to host this ceremony for the second year running. I am also delighted to be associated with MGTS which breathes success, inspiration and development. We are now coming out of recession in the city and everyone in this room is part of that regeneration. You are all a fabulous credit to Coventry."
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