A motor technician has been given a helping hand in his career thanks to one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies.

Swanley apprentice Max Parkin, 20, has received a £750 Apprenticeship Award from the Oddfellows to support him throughout his three-year apprenticeship at Toyota Tunbridge Wells.

A former pupil of The Leigh UTC in Dartford, Max was one of two to receive the award.

Max, a member of the Star of Mottingham Branch, said: “I’m extremely grateful. It’s been a huge help already, as I live half an hour away from work so it’s putting towards petrol costs and tools of my own. It’s certainly a weight off my mind.

“I’ve always been fascinated by cars. Since I was a kid, I’ve helped my dad out in the garage, passing him tools and asking questions. He’s a huge inspiration to me, and since I began my apprenticeship, he’s also got a job at Toyota, so now we are colleagues.”

Secretary for the Star of Mottingham Branch of the Oddfellows Clare Puddefoot said: “Being able to support Max on his career path is a huge honour and we couldn’t be more proud of his achievements so far. It’s wonderful seeing our younger members flourish.”

Up to three Apprenticeship Educational Awards are granted to eligible Oddfellows members each year to help with the associated costs of work-based training or education.

The Oddfellows friendly society has a national network of 121 branches and 309,000 UK members, of which 43,500 receive the support of a range of social, care and financial benefits.

For more, visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/benefits.

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