A Nantwich man has revealed how he went from apprentice to a director at Stoke-on-Trent College.
The story of Ryan Johnson, 37, comes as the nation celebrated National Apprenticeship Week.
Ryan started his working life as a motor vehicle apprentice.
He is now Campus Director at Stoke-on-Trent College’s Burslem campus, where he oversees teaching and learning in STEM and construction technologies.
He started his career as an apprentice with the BMW Group, before working in dealerships as a licensed vehicle technician and then going into a role based in Spain.
There he worked alongside leading vehicle manufacturers to support future product design including the development of Advanced Driver Assisted Systems (ADAS).
Ryan has worked closely with manufacturers such as Bentley, Mercedes, BMW, Toyota and Lexus.
During his time overseas he had the opportunity to work with the Panasonic Formula 1 team.
On his return to the UK he turned his skills to a teaching role, training the next generation in the motor industry and passing on his knowledge to students.
His career in education saw him progress into a senior quality management role before joining Stoke on Trent College, where he is part of the senior leadership team.
Ryan is passionate about renewable energy and green technology and has been responsible for introducing and overseeing a number of initiatives.
He has run a range of courses available for local employers who want to train workers in maintaining electric vehicles, installing electric charging points, and installation of renewable energy heating systems ranging from the city’s district heat network, to solar panel installation and unvented hot water systems.
Stoke-on-Trent College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Denise Brown, said: “Ryan is proof that apprenticeships lead to rewarding and successful careers.
“Their experience in industry and their passion for education and training is invaluable to our learners.
“What a great example to inspire our students, our staff and our apprentices.”
