TRAFFORD College engineering student, Oliver Skelland is celebrating after crossing the finish line as winner of a highly sought after apprenticeship programme with ‘Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP).

Oliver, 20, was previously crowned Student of the Year in a Mercedes AMG competition as part of a new partnership between the College and HPP.

In the first competition of its kind, engineering and motor vehicle students from the College were observed and had their work evaluated, assessed on factors such as attendance, punctuality, dedication and their performance throughout the programme.

The highest ranking student won a guaranteed interview with HPP for a place on their highly sought after Apprenticeship scheme. Oliver was awarded the coveted title in recognition of his outstanding performance on his course and went on to apply for the Advanced Apprenticeship with Mercedes HPP, who design, develop and manufacture the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 racing engines and hybrid systems.

Despite a large shortlist of more than 60 talented students from across the country, Oliver was selected as one of just seven students to embark on the advanced three-year apprenticeship at Mercedes and he is now looking forward to starting his programme as Apprentice Assembly Technician in September.

He said: “When I was offered the place I was very excited as there were only a few openings, so to be accepted is a massive achievement especially as so many applied. I previously studied A Levels, but they just weren’t the right choice for me so I decided to choose the vocational engineering course. Trafford College has a really good reputation and its new centre for Science and Technology has amazing facilities.

“The College’s partnership with Mercedes is really great and it gives young people like myself the opportunity to work for a big company. After I have finished the Apprenticeship, I hope to go to university to improve my ability even further and move up the career ladder with Mercedes.”