When Kyle Bartle began a seasonal role with Husqvarna back in 2011, little did he realise that he’d be an award-winner 13 years later.
But that’s exactly what’s happened after the 32-year-old line leader was named Apprentice of the Year at the Make Your Mark Awards 2024.
After receiving his trophy from Matthew Stiller of category sponsor Stiller Warehousing and Distribution, Kyle recalled how he started at Husqvarna as a temporary worker.
He said: “I was unemployed, I needed a job so I went down to the Jobcentre and applied for a seasonal role.
“They’ve been such a good company to me. I always went back and I appreciate that my loyalty to the company has been respected by them because they’ve been very loyal to me too.”
Kyle, who started off as an operator before progressing to repair person and now line leader, having been awarded his permanent contract in 2019, said: “From day one it’s been an amazing company to work for.
“I’ve gained respect from my peers and I’ve tried to push myself and work as hard as I can there to make myself go further and further.
“It’s a very enjoyable job – learning the ropes from different line leaders and learning stuff in my apprenticeship.
“My peers have been absolutely amazing with me. They’ve helped develop my growth in the company and now, as a line leader, hopefully I can do the same for others.
“I’d love to help people get onto bigger and better things and help them develop their skills. We all start from somewhere and I’m proof of that.”
The Apprentice of the Year category saw Kyle up against two other worthy finalists – Liam Fisher from Danesmoor Group and Abi Sayer from BTS Facades & Fabrications.
It was one of 11 awards handed out at the glittering event, which was organised for Aycliffe Business Park Community by Resolution Media and Publishing, and hosted by BBC Tees presenter Gary Philipson in Hardwick Hall’s impressive Coleman Suite.