James Alpe Ltd are thrilled to share the fantastic news that Katie Nell Horn has been awarded First Place in the Apprentice of the Year category, a well-deserved achievement that reflects her outstanding commitment, talent, and professionalism.
Katie has excelled throughout her MET apprenticeship journey. In a heavily male-dominated sector, she has shown remarkable determination, resilience, and natural ability. Her progression has been exceptional, supported by a strong and positive working relationship with her mentor, which has helped her grow into a confident and highly valued member of our team.
Working closely with our training provider, AUTO ASSESS, Katie has consistently met — and often surpassed — her targets. She has diligently completed every assignment, progressed ahead of schedule, and successfully finished her tri-party agreement. She is now awaiting her date for the MET Standard Apprenticeship End Point Assessment.
Katie also holds an impressive range of industry qualifications that demonstrate both her ambition and her technical capability:
- SEG Awards ABC Level 3 Award in Refrigerant Handling (EC842-2006)
- IMI AOM230 – ADAS Calibration Technician Accreditation
- IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement
Beyond her coursework and qualifications, Katie has become a role model within the business. She shares her knowledge freely, supports fellow apprentices, and consistently brings a positive “can-do” attitude and exemplary work ethic to the workshop each day.
Steven Hodgson, Training & Development Manager, commented:
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see Katie grow and develop in her apprenticeship journey, from a quiet 16-year-old to the MET technician of the future and a valued member of the accident repair team. Her first-place win is a proud moment not only for Katie, but for everyone at James Alpe Ltd. She embodies the future of our industry and the values our business stands for. We couldn’t be more delighted to celebrate her success”.

