Winner of Lely Technician award announced

Land-based service engineering apprentice Robert Herbert has been announced as the second annual winner of the Lely UK NVQ Level 2 Technician Award.

Robert, 22, is currently assigned to Turney Groundforce, based in Bicester, as part of his two-year Level 2 Apprenticeship with South Worcestershire College in Evesham.

After breaking his leg in a motor-biking accident in May last year, Robert impressed his tutors with his determination to overcome this setback. Despite being bed-ridden for some weeks and away from college until October, Robert studied for his theory tests throughout his convalescence and passed with flying colours as a result.

Commenting on his award-win, Robert says: "I was determined not to get left behind because of my accident, so worked as hard as I could while I was stuck in bed on the theory-side of the course. I'm really pleased all my hard work has paid off - my tutor mentioned this award to us at the beginning of the course and it gave me something to work towards while I was recovering."

Robert's tutor, land-based service engineering course manager Mick Beard, says that his student is a deserved winner of this special award, which was set up in memory of Laurence Moody, a 19-year-old apprentice at Lely's St Neots HQ, who tragically died in a car accident in 2008. A fitting tribute to the promise Laurence showed, the award recognises and rewards the best NVQ Level 2 apprentice on an annual basis.

"Robert is an exemplary student and always strives to give 100 percent to his studies," Mick comments. "His portfolio is outstanding and he's doing terrifically well at Turney - we're very proud of him. Having also won the college's own Apprentice of the Year Award 2010, it's no surprise to see him succeeding with this award too."

Note to editors: Lely (UK) Limited is based at 1 Station Road, St Neots PE19 1QH. Call 01480 226800, email toro.info.uk@lely.com or visit www.toro.com/www.lely.com for further details.