Apprentice of the Year
Apprentice demonstrating high levels of practical skill in their chosen trade. The employer was also presented with an award by the Cross Industry Construction Apprenticeships Task Force.
Apprentice: Patrick Williams
Trade: Carpenter and Joiner
Employer: Leadbitter, Cardiff
College: Barry College, Cardiff
CCATF Trophy
QUIETLY AMAZING
Patrick Williams is the perfect example of a successful apprentice: diligent, enthusiastic and with a clear love for his trade, Patrick has won nothing but praise from his employers and workmates at Leadbitter Construction.
Patrick was the youngest apprentice ever taken on the by the company, 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.
“Quietly diligent” is how his college tutor describes this gentle and courteous teenager, who is always prepared to put the extra effort into his work. 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.
“Patrick is an unsung hero who quietly and unassumingly gets on with whatever he is asked to do. He is committed, hardworking and high achieving. I was delighted to put Patrick forward for this award as I felt he really deserved recognition for all he achieved while working with us.” So says Jeannette Hawrot, Group Community Engagement Manager of Leadbitter Construction, who initiated the apprenticeship scheme for Leadbitter in South Wales .
The initial enthusiasm that so impressed Jeannette has been maintained and Patrick’s motivation and hard work is demonstrated by his results. In his three year apprenticeship he has completed NVQ levels two and three in Wood Occupations and achieved the Foundation and Intermediate Construction Awards with distinction. He has also received his Advanced Construction Award.
Barry Jones, Carpentry and Joinery Tutor at Barry College was equally impressed with Patrick: “He is incredibly diligent and self motivated. He doesn’t make a fuss about anything, but quietly gets on with his learning. His hard work is reflected in the excellent results he achieved in his exams.”
This appreciation is shared by the contractors Patrick worked with on site, with David Deere, Director of KA Timber Construction Ltd concluding: “On personal experience I would rate Pat very highly in both work practice and attitude.”
Despite his quiet and unassuming demeanour, Patrick is always ready to take on new challenges and additional duties. While working at one site, he agreed to speak to business leaders from the Business in the Community (BITC) ‘Seeing is Believing’ initiative. He talked with great professionalism about his experiences of being a Leadbitter Apprentice.
And at a site in Ely, Patrick constructed an 8 metre long ramp to enable children with mobility issues to enter a bungalow and volunteered to be part of the site visit scheme. The children had a wonderful time experimenting with the ramp and appreciating the fact that they can now access the building without help.
No request is too much trouble for Patrick; he embraces every challenge with enthusiasm and interest. Throughout the three years of his apprenticeship everyone he has come into contact with has found him a pleasure to work with and he is recognised by all as willing, conscientious and a valuable team player. He treats everyone with respect and is consequently well respected in return. All in all, Patrick is a rounded individual with much to offer our industry.
As Jeannette Hawrot at Leadbitter Construction sums up: “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. We are so proud and pleased that his qualities have shone through to become Apprentice of the Year.
