YOUNGSTERS GIVEN £40,000 CHANCE TO SHINE

Two Cheshire youngsters have been given the opportunity of a lifetime after winning apprenticeships at a Crewe car retailer.

Tom Chadwick (16) from Willaston and Ashley Jones (18) from Nantwich are embarking on a three-year apprenticeship with Crewe Volkswagen after qualifying from an initial 12-month assessment programme.

Over the next three years Crewe Volkswagen will invest nearly £80,000 to train Tom and Ashley through to technician status.

Tom has been involved in car mechanics for many years and is a successful National Autograss racing driver, maintaining and servicing his own car.

He said: “I love all types of vehicles and this is the only job I have ever wanted to do. I am passionate about the Volkswagen brand and I want to go as far in my career as I can.

“I am over the moon to I be given this opportunity and very grateful to Crewe Volkswagen for giving me this chance.”

Ashley, who is equally enthusiastic about the next three years, said: “To be selected to join a prestigious apprenticeship programme is simply brilliant.

“I know it will be hard work, but I’m looking forward to learning from the experienced technicians at the retailer.”

Crewe Volkswagen’s service manager, Scott Cunningham, said: “Tom and Ashley’s passion for cars was one of the main reasons why they’ve been given these places on the apprenticeship programme.

“I’m confident they will come through the three years with flying colours.”

CHESHIRE BIKE SHOP IS THE CHOSEN ONE

A Cheshire cycle shop is one of just a few UK businesses chosen to test the latest product from international giants, WD-40.

The company, which manufactures a range of specialist lubricants under the 3-IN-ONE brand, has chosen twelve50bikes in Frodsham to be the first official testers of its newly launched 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance lubricant.

Despite being open only a few months, twelve50bikes was chosen because of the business’ service facility and the experience of the two owners.

Matt Steadman and Rick Minshull are ex-professional mountain bikes racers with over 20 years’ experience in the cycling industry.

David Whittome, head of UK marketing at WD-40 Company, said: “Twelve50bikes is the perfect place to test the new 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product.

“Matt and Rick are bike mad and most importantly are riders themselves, meaning they’ll be testing it on their own bikes first.

“The feedback they give will prove invaluable as we look at ensuring the product meets criteria to everyone maintaining a bike.

Matt, from twelve50bikes, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to test 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product

“We use huge amounts of lubricants in our service department and also on our own bikes.

“We only stock products which we’d be happy to use ourselves so look forward to the using the lubricant.”