Student Qualifies for National Final of Halfords Apprentice of the Year

East Sussex College student Jess McCann is celebrating a major achievement after qualifying for the national finals of the Halfords Apprentice of the Year competition, beating out hundreds of apprentices from across the country.

Jess, who is currently studying in the Motor Vehicle department, has been competing alongside over 200 Halfords apprentices nationwide for a chance to earn the prestigious title and gain recognition from some of the biggest names in the automotive industry.

To get to this point, Jess had to complete a series of competitive assessments, beginning with an online exam and a personal written statement.

“I did an online exam and a personal written statement,” Jess explained. “Then me and 15 others got asked to do a practical assessment in Basingstoke consisting of four tasks - a vehicle inspection, brakes, steering and suspension, and electrical. All of which were fault-finding.”

Her day in Basingstoke saw her complete the assessments alongside just three other candidates, with the competition spread out over the course of a week.

Jess has now qualified for the grand finals, which will take place on the 13th-14th of June in Carlisle. The event will be held at Pirelli, where she’ll not only compete for the top spot but also have the opportunity to meet company directors and chief officers from Halfords.

“At the finals I’ll be undergoing interviews in the hope of winning the Halfords Apprentice of the Year award,” said Jess. “I’ll also get the chance to see where they make all the tyres at Pirelli, and meet with different COs and directors of Halfords.”

Everyone at East Sussex College is incredibly proud of Jess and her hard work - and we’ll be cheering her on as she heads into the final round.