Young talent showcased at Bristol’s Apprentice Awards

The contribution Bristol’s construction apprentices and their employers make to city industry was recognised at the annual On Site Bristol Apprentice Awards last night (13 November).

Young people working in trades such as brickwork, plumbing and electrical services were recognised across 17 different award categories.

Councillor Anna Keen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills attended the event at Ashton Court Mansion and delivered the key note speech. She said:

“These awards give us a chance to reflect on the hard work and commitment shown by our talented apprentices. I’d like to wish all our winners and nominees much success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“As a Learning City we are always looking to create more opportunities for people and ensure every young person has the skills they need to confidently apply for work. On Site Bristol are leading the way, offering quality apprenticeships which allow apprentices to not only gain a qualification, but also develop invaluable life skills that will support them both in and out of work.”

One special award was given to the Apprentice of the Year, Matthew Penny, who completed a plumbing apprenticeship with Hudson Plumbing and Heating Services. On Site Bristol said Matthew was chosen for the award as he always went above and beyond what was asked, showing exemplary skills with excellent potential for a successful career in the construction industry.

Matthew said:

“I am so pleased to have been given this award. I would like to thank Hudson Plumbing & Heating and the On Site Bristol team who have supported me throughout the four year programme. I am looking forward to my future as a qualified Gas Safe engineer and would urge other people to apply to On Site Bristol.”

Awards were presented by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Cleo Lake.

Guest speaker Richard Harris, Vice Principal – Finance and Professional Services, City of Bristol College, said:

“The construction sector across the West of England employs over 51,000 people and 22,000 jobs are estimated to be created in this sector by 2021.

“Thanks to training providers like On Site Bristol, our city is able to inspire and prepare the future generation of construction employees. I’d like to congratulate all nominees and winners on getting as far as today and wish them the best in their future careers.

“As a College, we too are helping support the skills demand in the construction sector. A joint £9m investment from the College and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership will further help to boost training and skills development, through our new Advanced Construction Skills Centre opening in September 2021.”

On Site Bristol currently has 300 apprentices on their programme and works in partnership with over 200 employers in Bristol. Around 95% of their graduates continue to work for their host employer post-apprenticeship. The programme works closely with a range of education partners including over 40 local schools, the Construction Industry Training Board, local further education colleges and training centres.

On Site Bristol is hosting an open evening on Wednesday 27 November, 5.00pm-7.30pm at the Create Centre, for anyone leaving education after year 11, 12 or 13. For more information call 0117 3521960 or visit: https://www.onsitebristol.co.uk/

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: http://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentice/what-is-an-apprenticeship

List of 2019 award recipients:

1st Year Apprentice – Myles Satterthwaite

2nd Year Apprentice – Michael Fathers

3rd Year Apprentice – Joe Yabsley

4th Year Apprentice – Luke Oldfield

Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice – Lewis Woodbridge-Nash

Trowel Occupations Apprentice – Arrun Brice

Electrical Apprentice – Callum Wyatt

Plumbing Apprentice – James Ince

Painting and Decorating Apprentice – Andrew Gill

Special Achievement Award – Brandon Tyler and Ellis Gill

Apprentice of the Year – Matthew Penny

Workplace Champion – Jenny Gait of Kingswood Construction

Supervisor of the Year – Will Sawyer of Dial Electrical Ltd

Employer of the Year, small medium enterprise – Williams SW Ltd

Employer of the Year, large – Gregors Heating, Electrical and Renewable Energy

Supporting Apprenticeships Award – Taylor Wimpey Bristol Ltd

Tutor of the Year – Ian Dark

Picture, left to right, Darren Perkins (Apprenticeship Manager at Bristol City Council), Councillor Anna Keen (Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Bristol City Council) , Matthew Penny (Apprentice of the Year 2019), Councillor Cleo Lake (Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol).