Member Article

Darlington College student on distinction drive

AN apprentice mechanic has been given new drive after securing seven distinctions in his studies.

Darlington College student Edward Remmer has been nominated for a commendation with City and Guilds to recognise his efforts.

For the past two years the 18-year-old classic car enthusiast has been studying a Level 2 apprenticeship in light vehicle maintenance and repair. He also works as an apprentice with Darlington automotive business Jon Kelly Garage Services on Whessoe Road.

Edward, who has just restored a classic 1984 Mini City E, plans to return to Darlington College to study his Level 3 qualification.

“My dad and granddad love tinkering with cars and I have been under the bonnet with them for as long as I can remember,” said Edward, of Newton Aycliffe.

“I was really pleased to get seven distinctions and to be submitted for the commendation. I hope to be a full time mechanic one day with my own business restoring and maintaining classic cars.”

Edward has spent months repairing and restoring his old Mini. “I love the old cars as they are so different to drive,” he said.

“Mine doesn’t have disc brakes, power steering or even a radio but it is great fun. I have always loved old Minis. One of my favourite films is the Italian Job and it makes me smile that the Mini designer put three ash trays in because he was a chain smoker and that the door pockets will take eight bottles of gin.”

Darlington College’s automotive apprenticeship framework leader Paul Tunnicliffe said: “Getting seven distinctions takes some doing and Edward has done really well. He always attends and his attitude to work has been brilliant. He really deserves to succeed.”

His boss Jon Kelly added: “Edward pestered the life out of me, dropping in the garage week after week asking if I would take him on. One of the best things I have ever done was to give him a chance as he really gets stuck in.”

For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah French .