Conor McAlister of TBF Thompson has been voted ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistics Awards, returning after a two year absence because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was presented with the award, sponsored by BPW Limited, at a glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in South Belfast, an event attended by almost 600 guests from all sectors of the transport and logistics industry and compered by BBC NI News presenter Sarah Travers and Actor and Comedian Tim McGarry.

Organised by the Hillsborough based publishers of Export & Freight magazine, 4SM (NI) Ltd, the event, which was first staged way back in 2001, is Ireland’s premier platform of recognition for those operating in the industry; it celebrates all the hard work, determination, and ongoing investment that make the industry what it is today.

Conor started his apprenticeship in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance & Repair in 2018 at TBF Thompson’s Portadown depot in partnership with Transport Training Services and Bristol College.

He has exceeded expectations in terms of product knowledge, enthusiasm and diligence, and has a great future with the company. For the past year Conor has progressed in the job to be part of the breakdown team providing 24 hour breakdown cover for their customers.

Recognising that workshop skills are key to the future of a healthy transport industry, sponsors BPW joined forces with Transport Training Services and the Institute of Road Transport Engineers to also present Conor with £750 worth of tools and £75 to each of the finalists.