AN APPRENTICE who has saved a multi-billion business time and money while training has won an award.

Alan Maguire, who secured a placement at BAE Systems in Samlesbury, was awarded the Advanced Apprentice of the Year by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Alan was chosen after he made a ‘significant’ contribution to the company and customers.

He improved one of its repair processes which resulted in a 20 per cent reduction in the time and cost of repairs.

On the back of the work carried out by 23-year-old, who is responsible for the management and delivery of key components of the Typhoon aircraft, all air forces no longer report any aircraft being grounded due to faults with this item.

Alan also regularly champions apprenticeships and helped promote engineering in over 150 primary schools across the country.

Despite this figures from the National Apprenticeship Service show that are still more than 49,000 vacancies on all apprenticeship levels nationwide which has increased from last year.

Alan said: “I was delighted to be nominated for an apprenticeship award and to get through to the North West finals, and to win the award was amazing.

“My apprenticeship has been a fantastic experience and has given me the skills to progress further in my chosen career.

“I would like to thank my employer and training provider for all their support.”

During the National Apprenticeship Service’s North West Apprenticeship Awards 2011, Lancashire County Council won the Macro Employer of the Year Award.

Sue Price, director for the National Apprenticeship Service in North West, said: “The winners are now ambassadors for apprenticeships.”