A teenager working at a Woodford Green garage has overcome dyslexia to become Apprentice of the Year. (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

A teenager working at a Woodford Green garage has overcome dyslexia to become Apprentice of the Year.

6:13pm Monday 13th July 2009 in

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A 16-year-old mechanic has proved he will go far after overcoming dyslexia to become Apprentice of the Year.

Callum Goodwin, of Chadwell Heath, has been getting his hands dirty at Les Paul Motors in Anderson Road, Woodford Green, for almost a year, coming in early every day of the week to help the group fix up their fleet of Jaguars and Land Rovers.

After being nominated by Epping Forest College, where is is known among his teachers as 'Sonic' for his energy and speed, he has this month been named the Apprentice of the Year by the Institute of Motor Industry.

The teenager, who suffers from dyslexia, applied for no additional help with his studies and has impressed both college staff and his employers by attaining excellent test results and an 100 per cent attendance record through pure commitment and perseverance.

Director of Les Pauls, Leslie Fogg, said: “Callum has great enthusiasm and I think he's found his vocation.

“He's always here at 7.30am even though he doesn't officially start until an hour later and nothing is too much of a problem for him.

“When the college originally phoned us up and told us they had an exceptional pupil we didn't think much of it because we've heard it all before, but he was everything they promised.

“He has two more years to complete his studies but we hope he'll stay on afterwards.”

Callum has been presented with a certificate and his name has been engraved on a wooden plaque that will be displayed at the garage and the college.

He said: “It's been great working here as while some of my friends are working in garages they are not in big successful ones like this.

“I've always been interested in cars and motorbikes and while I struggle with written work I've always wanted to be a mechanic.

“I'm really pleased to get the award and my mum was in tears at the presentation.

“I turn 17 on July 24 and I've booked my first driving lesson for the day after.”