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BCHT’s talented construction employees will be recognised at the Group’s annual Apprentice of the Year Awards.

 

The apprentices are learning different trades such as joinery, plumbing, bricklaying, plastering and electrical work. This is done through a combination of site-based work experience alongside qualified tradesmen and college training leading to NVQ level qualifications.

 

During their apprenticeships most trainees work for both Bradford Building Services - BCHT’s repairs and maintenance operation - and Contract Services who work on some of the Trust’s refurbishment and home adaptation schemes.

 

There are three awards made in different work areas and an overall Apprentice of the Year award. The area winners are:-

-          Richard Barr, a second year apprentice electrician based at Saltaire Road depot

-          Michael Parker, a third year apprentice joiner at The Headway Depot

-          Govinder Singh Chahal, a fourth year apprentice plumber with Contract Services.

 

Govinder and Michael are also the joint winners of BCHT’s Apprentice of the Year Award 2007.

 

The area winners will each receive a certificate and iPod nano and the joint overall winners will receive an engraved shield and share £200 worth of vouchers to buy tools to further their careers.

 

The prizes have been sponsored by four locally based companies: Broadfords Plant and Tool Hire, HWA UK Ltd, Newey and Eyre and Plumbing Trade Supplies.

 

Delroy Beverley, BCHT’s Director of Contract Services said: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of the business and our long-term recruitment strategy. As one of the city’s major employers BCHT is committed to investing in talented local people from across all our communities and also address areas of under-representation.

 

“These awards aim to recognise the commitment, ambition and team work that our apprentices demonstrate on the job and as part of their training.

 

“Each apprentice with BCHT is encouraged to develop their trade skills whilst playing an important part in our day to day repairs work and the Trust’s multi million pound modernisation programme. 

 

“We actively recruit from across Bradford’s diverse communities and are working with schools to encourage more young people to look at careers in construction. We feel privileged to have these individuals working within this business.”

 

Greg Robinson, Director of BCHT’s Bradford Building Services said: “These award winners today have done extremely well and I applaud their efforts.  It has been a tough task choosing these winners from our high calibre pool of apprentices.

 

“They are part of a team that is contributing to our housing regeneration and maintenance programme and the prosperity of the district.”

 

BCHT apprentices range from 17 to 37 years of age, 20% of whom are female.

 

BCHT Area Maintenance and Contract Managers were asked to nominate apprentices for the awards and a judging panel from the Trust Group then assessed each entry.

 

17.01.08