Enterprise apprentices are in a class of their own

Press Release

04/02/2010

Top-performing apprentices have been given awards by the Mayor for their hard work at council contractor Enterprise.

Cllr Charles Fairbrass MBE presented prizes to the ten young high achievers, all from the local area, at Dagenham Civic Centre on Tuesday (2 February). All of Enterprise's 29 modern apprentices have their performance assessed on a monthly basis and this group were the ones who came out with top marks over the last year.

First prize as Apprentice of the Year went to Nathan Finn, a plumber, who received a winner's shield, certificate and a £100 B and Q voucher. A special achievement award went to Daryl Skeels, a decorator. Winners of the year groups each received their own shields, certificates and £50 B and Q vouchers . Runners-up received their own shields, certificates and £50 B and Q vouchers.

The apprentices work in a number of roles for Enterprise, including as painter decorators, carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Their monthly reviews look at attendance, performance, general attitude and achievements at college.

Enterprise has the contract to carry out maintenance and repairs on Barking and Dagenham Council's housing stock. A key part of the relationship between Enterprise and the council is the promotion of training opportunities.

Also present at the awards ceremony was Martin Joyce, Managing Director of Enterprise's public services division, Cllr Phil Waker, the council's cabinet member for housing, Dave Nichols, partnership Managing Director at Enterprise, and Rob Wood, the council's group manager of repairs and maintenance.

Cllr Fairbrass said: "It was a real pleasure to meet such a hard working and dedicated group. I have said before that Barking and Dagenham's greatest asset is its young people, and if anyone doubts this they only have to look at these young apprentices.

"Apprenticeships offer the ideal combination of practical training, work experience and time in the classroom, and all with a worthwhile qualification at the end of it. By learning a skilled trade the future is very bright for all of them."

Martin Joyce added: "Enterprise believe strongly that broadening the skills of young people, especially from the local area, provides a solid base for sustainable development. Training requires commitment and drive and the awards allow these young people to get the recognition they deserve."

Notes for editors

The full list of winners and runners-up is;

First year winners

David Lovell, electrician

Nathan Finn, plumber

First year runners-up

Craig Burns, electrician

Billy Beasley, carpenter

Second year winners

David Jackson, plumber

John Westfall, decorator

Second year runners-up

Samuel Ryan, plumber

Stefon Rojas, carpenter

Special Recognition Award

Daryl Skeels, decorator

Apprentice of the Year

Nathan Finn, plumber

Press Release Number: 11775

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Enterprise apprentices are in a class of their own

Press Release

Press Release Number: 11775

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