Acknowledged as one of the most successful motorcycle apprentice schemes in the country, this year’s Suzuki Apprentice of the Year competition once again delivered five outstanding winners, all scooping top honours in each discipline of study.

With year one and two candidates nominated by their tutors, final year three students went through a series of demanding tests to determine the winner from those also highly commended in the runner-up spots.

In the motorcycle technician category, Robert Whitehead of G.A Earnshaw in Huddersfield scooped the year three award with Sam Stroud of Premier Motorcycles in West Wickham, Kent, taking the second year honours while Wayne Horsler of Grays Motorcycles in Essex was the winner of year one.

Victorious in the year three category of the Aftersales award was Aaron Smart of John W Groombridge in Heathfield, Sussex, and like his fellow technician winners was awarded an Apple Ipod.

In the ‘Tim Crewdson Award’ for most improvement in a first year apprentice, Adam Dixon of the Hereford Motorcycle Centre was nominated for his impressive progress in his first year, receiving a digital camera for his efforts.

Denis Houston, Director of Aftersales for Suzuki GB PLC, commented, "Once again we’ve been impressed by the levels of professionalism and knowledge within the apprentice scheme. These awards are not just a crucial element in the development of our dealer network, but in ensuring the industry as a whole has skilled and knowledgeable professionals within. A big congratulations must go to all involved this year, with a special mention to our winners and runners-up."

Also highly commended as runners up were Josh Ryan of Crescent Motorcycles (third year technician), Sam Chisnell of P&H Motorcycles (third year technician) and Jack Snowden of Stamford Superbikes (third year aftersales).

To view and download high resolution images of all the winners click here

For further press information please contact Luke Plummer or Helen Morgan at the Suzuki GB Press Office (Motorcycles), Tel: 01525 270600 or 07725 956783.