Two electrical apprentices have been honoured in the 2013 ECA Edmundson Awards for their consistent high standard of academic and technical work.
Benjamin Smith, 21, representing NG Bailey, and Sam Williams, 26, representing Bangor-based Owen and Palmer, scooped the prestigious ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Adult Trainee of the Year’ awards respectively – surpassing hundreds of their highly skilled peers within the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA).
Gordon Love, managing director for Edmundson Electrical commented, “The standard of competition this year was exceptional. Benjamin and Sam should be incredibly proud of this achievement and we wish them every success in their future careers.”
Both winners have explained how they have been overwhelmed with the support they have received throughout their apprenticeships.
Smith said, “Working for NG Bailey has been a dream come true, so to be recognised has allowed me to repay them in some way for their unparalleled support.
“Watching the projects I have been part of come together, fills me with such pride and satisfaction. This has been a huge confidence boost and I’m excited to progress my studies and career.”
With the awards also recognising that some of the industry’s best talent are adult trainees, Williams feels that the acknowledgement is testament to his bold decision to change his career by taking up an apprenticeship – together with the foundation of support from his employer.
He explained, “I’m so incredibly grateful to Owen and Palmer for their commitment to the apprenticeship programme. The course has been a great first step in my career and this award validates all the hard work. I’m over the moon.”
Steve Bratt, CEO of the ECA, echoed Love’s congratulations, and applauded NG Bailey and Owen and Palmer for their demonstrable commitment to the highest quality apprentice training.
He said, “We are proud to work with Edmundson Electrical to recognise top talent like Benjamin and Sam, and the ECA companies who trained them.”
As well as prizes of £1,000 and a contractor’s tool kit each, Benjamin and Sam will take a tour of the Milan headquarters of global manufacturing brand Prysmian later this year, where they will get a unique insight into the manufacturing side of the type of products they install on a daily basis.
