LIFE has been transformed for a once-shy Keighley teenager.

Ben Sutcliffe was a reserved school-leaver when he joined Great Northern Cars as an apprentice mechanic.

Now he has received a top national accolade in recognition of his achievements.

The 18-year-old has been presented with an apprentice award by youth training provider, Rathbone Training.

"To receive the award was a great honour and meant a lot – especially when Rathbone Training has so many other learners who are also on the motor vehicle programme," Ben said.

"My learning experience with Great Northern Cars has been very good.

"It is completely different from school.

"The tutor is hands-on and understands the best way for me to learn and reach my full potential.

"The learning is a two-way process and I have been encouraged to be challenged and learn beyond my normal comfort zone."

Ben – who started his training in 2013 – is now working towards a Level 3 motor vehicle apprenticeship, with support from Rathbone Training assessor Adrian Milner and his employer.

"Ben showed initiative and approached the company for a job following a work experience placement," said Ian Smith, director of Great Northern Cars in Great Northern Road, Keighley.

"He wanted to have an apprenticeship in the motor vehicle trade and we found him an opportunity that was suitable for what our company needed."

Fellow director, Derek Mason, said the firm had previously taken on two good apprentices through Rathbone so had no hesitation in employing Ben.

"This suited Ben through the way it was to be delivered and we also knew it would meet our needs as previous apprentices who have successfully completed the course are now fully qualified mechanics," he added.

Ben has achieved distinctions in all four of his motor vehicle tests and Level 2 qualifications in maths and English and ICT.

Mr Milner pays tribute.

"Ben was a shy reserved learner and knew that to make progress he would have to adapt his personality – he did just that and during his Level 2 became a new person," he said.

"He has shown confidence and real leadership quality and is also prepared to have a go and learn from it.

"He is now fully engaged in his Level 3 motor vehicle apprenticeship with the same enthusiasm.

"Ben is able to work independently and is well respected and a valuable asset to his employer."

Ben said his long-term goal is to become a qualified MOT tester and eventually own his own business.

"The continuous learning and support from Adrian has given me a sound foundation to work towards my ambitions and provide me with valuable skills and knowledge to prepare to complete my Level 3," he said.