Riverside College Apprentice races to the finish line.

An apprenticeship student from Riverside College has been a regular on the podium this season after competing in the British Touring Car Championships.

Declan Jones who is studying towards his NVQ level 3 in Motor Vehicle at Riverside College spends much of his spare time on the race track and has had an impressive season. This year he has concluded the 2012 Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup with an impressive weekend at Brands Hatch and another spot on the podium.

Declan is an apprentice at Kelvin Jones Motorsport in Liverpool.  He spends his time working on  building and restoring classic sports cars whilst attending Riverside College one day per week to complete his qualifications.  He has completed his level 2 diploma and is now working towards his level 3 diploma in motor vehicle maintenance.

Declan has always wanted to work with cars and started carting at eight years old.  At fifteen he progressed onto racing GT sports cars.  He now races in the BTCC and has high hopes of being picked up by a big team.

Declan said, “I love driving and have great plans for the future. Doing a motor vehicle apprenticeship is great as it is enabling me to gain my qualifications and still work. Riverside College was recommended to me as it has a great reputation, it is easy to get to and the tutors are really supportive.  I have lots of plans for the future including completing an endurance race like the 24 hour race in Vermont.”

Mike Morson, Head of Apprenticeships at Riverside College said, “Apprenticeships are a great way to gain real experience in the world of work whilst completing a qualification.  Declan has really enjoyed his Motor Vehicle Apprenticeship, he completed the Intermediate course last year and quickly progressed onto an Advanced Apprenticeship.  He is a real inspiration to young people, proving that with hard work and motivation you can really achieve your potential!”