Local apprentice honoured for technical and community skills

A local apprentice swapped garage overalls for a smart suit for an appointment with royalty when he beat off national competition to be honoured with Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award in the National IMI Awards this month.

Richard Mitchell, 20, attended the prestigious ceremony in Herefordshire where he was presented his award by HRH Prince Michael of Kent in recognition of his work with local garage Vanborn and Radford as an Apprentice with Exeter College.

“We were delighted to nominate Richard,” said Tim Laye, Skills Officer from Exeter College, “His achievement, resourcefulness, enthusiasm and teamwork has been exemplary. At work he is always finding the next job to do and he's able to interact with colleagues and staff in a very professional and friendly manner. His employer has explained that Richard was further ahead with his knowledge and skills than he is given credit – he's not afraid to attempt all jobs seeking advice if he comes across an issue he cannot overcome. He is conscientious, methodical, great with customers and at college is keen and works through his assignments with enthusiasm.”

The Outstanding Achievers Awards is a special event in the IMI calendar designed to bring together the best of the best to recognise and celebrate success. Staff from Exeter College were also at the glittering event after being shortlisted for the Approved Centre of the Year.

In presenting Richard Mitchell with his Outstanding Achiever Award in Light Vehicle HRH Prince Michael of Kent commented “I am delighted to present these awards as they provide an opportunity to showcase the hard work, dedication and true passion that exists within the automotive sector today. I would also like to offer my personal congratulations to individual and training providers; you should all feel extremely proud of your outstanding achievements.”

Richard Mitchell
“What makes Richard's nomination extra special is not just his passion for additional car projects but also his amazing commitment to a range of other community, youth and music projects in his spare time,” continued Tim Laye. “His friends tell me they can never meet up with him since he is always busy working, childminding or being a youth tutor for 'Joined Up thinking Projects Music'”

Richard's passion for vehicles doesn't finish at the end of the garage day since he is working on building from scratch a Caterham 7 style car that he hopes to enter in a hill climb event and has a passion for old British cars such as MGs, Minis and Morris Minors. He is also currently restoring a 1969 Mini as well as previously completing a frog eye Austin Healy Sprite, 1963 Morris 1000 and 1959 Morris 100 convertible. And it's not just vintage vehicles that gets Richard racing – he also races competitively in Go Karting.

While vehicles are his passion they're not his sole distraction since Richard admits that music comes a close second. He currently plays 6 instruments, sings as part of Counterpoint Chamber Choir, Buckfast Abbey Choir and the Starling Octet. He has recently been part of the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra as well as organising singing groups. His bugling talents have been in demand across the south west particularly for recent remembrance ceremonies including the Battle of Britain Parade at Exeter Cathedral.

“We are very proud of Richard,” said Iain Fitzpatrick, Head of Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive at Exeter College “His technical achievement both in work and in his spare time car projects and his all round personal and community commitment deserve national recognition. We are delighted that this important national event has given us the opportunity to showcase his talents!”