The award is given out annually to Ryder’s graduate technicians at a ceremony to mark the end of their three-year training programme, and the start of their careers as fully-qualified technicians with the company. Now in its sixth year, the event recognises technical excellence, work quality and all-round performance among Ryder’s highest-achieving graduates. On average, the firm recruits 12 apprentice technicians each year as part of its investment in training.
The technicians will support Ryder’s customers in the company’s UK network of 25 locations, keeping around 20,000 vans, trucks and trailers on the road.
Byron Hammond was chosen for this year’s award by Ryder’s Learning and Development department and staff at Stephenson College in Leicestershire, where the company’s graduate technicians study.
The award was presented by David Hunt, Ryder’s vice president and managing director for Europe, and Wyn Davies, senior operations manager for Ryder for the Midlands, at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire.
Byron was rewarded with a VIP week-long trip for himself and a guest to the US, where he watched the live final of Ryder’s Top Technician Competition in Nashville, Tennessee, in addition to £1,000 prize money.
After winning the award, Hammond said: "The support from the college, the technicians in the workshop, my parents, and Ryder has been amazing. Both Ryder and Stephenson College want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the training opportunity. It’s great that both are investing so much into it, and I’m looking forward to life as a fully-qualified Ryder technician."
Operations director Simon Ranner added: "The event as a whole celebrates the success of our graduates, with each receiving their own personal award. It also acknowledges the roles of the tutors at Stephenson College, the mentors, the parents, and the technicians themselves. This is only the beginning of their journey, we are all looking forward to seeing them progress during their time here at Ryder."