Taunton Apprentice named Britain's Best

Congratulations to 19 year old Daryl Drinkwater from Mercedes-Benz of Taunton who was selected as Technical Apprentice of the Year For the second year running by the munfacturer.

He was presented with his trophy by singer and TV celebrity Myleene Klass at a glittering awards ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

Daryl's success follows that of colleague Chris Fry, who was the 2010 Parts Apprentice of the Year and was shortlisted for the same title again this year.

Daryl ,who went to Haygrove School in Bridgwater said: "I was not expecting to win the award so I was amazed but very pleased when my name was read out .Two years into my three-year apprenticeship and I'm thoroughly enjoying the work and my training and looking forward to hopefully making a career for myself as a diagnostics technician."

Chris Waterhouse, Mercedes-Benz of Taunton's After Sales Manager, was delighted for Daryl and that the Toneway retailer had been able to maintain its reputation for the UK's leading apprentices.He said "It's a tremendous achievement for the business. "Like Chris was, Daryl has been consistently amongst the top performers on his course and at work he takes everything in his stride and gets on with the job in hand without fuss."

Daryl, who beat candidates from around the country to the 'Top Apprentice' title, was a worthy winner according to Helen Taylor, Apprentice Programme Operations Manager, Mercedes-Benz UK

"Daryl has applied himself very well and has achieved 90 per cent or more in over half of his written and on-line assessments.

"His attitude has been exemplary and he has demonstrated respect for the brand and the long-term career prospects that the apprenticeship programme is providing him with.

  "At Mercedes-Benz of Taunton, Daryl has become a valued member of the team, showing great potential through his commitment to gain experience and continue on his learning journey."