AN apprentice at a Spreyton garage has demonstrated he is no spare part in the business after being named as apprentice of the year on his course at Exeter College. James Graham, 18, who works at Highfield Garage in Spreyton, has recently completed a two-year course in vehicle parts operations. James said: 'It is basically a business studies course for the motor trade. You have to have a basic knowledge of vehicles to be able to advise people on parts, and when they need to be replaced.' James started at the garage in July 2004, enrolling on the course two months later, during which time he worked full time for four days a week, spending one day a week in college. James said he had not found it a problem combining the practical skills learned in the garage workshop with those learned in the classroom. 'It has worked quite well. At college, they make it interesting and get you to see how you can benefit from the skills you are learning,' he said. James lives in Exeter, but he said there were definitely advantages to working in a smaller garage such as the one at Spreyton. He said: 'A lot of people on the course are with a main dealer in the city, which can mean they have a small, focused job, whereas here, you get the chance to learn about every aspect of the business. It is a good environment to learn in.'