February 2012
Name: Patrick Williams
Trade: Carpenter and Joiner
Employer: Leadbitter, Cardiff
Training provider: Barry College, Cardiff
About Patrick:
What better way to kick off the Apprentice of the Month showcase than with our most recent Apprentice of the Year winner, Patrick Williams.
Patrick Williams is described as the perfect example of a successful apprentice: diligent, enthusiastic and with a clear love for his trade. Patrick was the youngest apprentice ever taken on by Leadbitter Construction in Cardiff, impressing them immediately when he arrived for his interview aged just sixteen, smartly dressed and carrying a portfolio of photographs of items he had made from wood while still at school. His love of working with wood was clear right from the start.
His determination was proved immediately as, despite a 45 minute walk to work he managed to be early every day, no matter what the weather. As he worked he saved his money carefully to buy a scooter and, as soon as he was old enough, progressed to driving lessons and a small car which was immediately put to use to drive to sites further away from home to get more experience.
This initial enthusiasm was maintained and Patrick’s motivation and hard work is shown in his results. In his three year apprenticeship Patrick completed NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Wood Occupations and achieved the Foundation and Intermediate Construction Awards with distinction. He has also received his Advanced Construction Award.
Jeannette Hawrot, Group Community Engagement Manager at Leadbitter Construction initiated the apprenticeship scheme for Leadbitter in South Wales. Jeannette said: "Sometimes our apprentices can be cheeky and stand out from the crowd but aren’t as dedicated as Patrick. In putting his name forward, we wanted to reward him for his consistent dedication and achievement."
Patrick was the FMB Apprentice of the Year 2011 winner and received a cheque for £1,000. Patrick’s employer was presented with a £250 voucher by TradePoint and a certificate by the Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force. From next month, the apprentices in our showcase will be selected from new nominations for the Apprentice of the Year Award 2013.
