Platts Animal Bedding fabrication and welding apprentice, Ethan McDermott has been shortlisted for the Young Person/Apprentice of the year award at the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce awards.

Ethan McDermott, Platts MD Caroline Thedens and Ross Thedens, winner of last years Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award.

Ethan’s role involves working with the garage team to service and repair Platts’ 25 trucks and 140 trailers, he also spends one day a week in Coleg Cambria, working towards his level one diploma in engineering. He was nominated for the award by the Platts management team, who recognised his hardworking nature and the way he completely adapted to working in the garage.

Caroline Thedens, Managing Director, said this about Ethan’s time at the company so far “Ethan has an extremely mature attitude and has proved himself as hardworking, humble and dedicated to his job and professional development since starting with us less than a year ago.

“He’s the ‘perfect role model’ to any apprentice, he’s punctual and takes pride in his work. With his positive attitude and accommodating personality, we feel he will go far in his career at Platts.”

We asked Ethan a few questions about his apprenticeship below:

How did you feel when you found out you had been shortlisted for the award?

“It was a shock to me; I really didn’t expect it. It was fantastic of the company to put me forward for it and it has all been part of the positive experience I have had with Platts since I started.”

How have you found your time at Platts so far?

“I really enjoy my job. It’s the people who have been great to work with and learn from and the brilliant experience I have got

from the work that we do.”

What do you think of the apprenticeship process?

“I feel like I am progressing and learning all the time which I feel is a great way to start my career.”

Platts Animal Bedding is also shortlisted for the Business of the Year Award at the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce awards and the Small Business of the Year at the British Chamber of Commerce awards.

The results will be announced at Chester Racecourse in an award ceremony on Friday, which is being attended by a group of 20 Platts employees. We all wish you the best of luck Ethan!