Celebrating the Trades of the future: On Site Bristol’s 2009 Awards

Release Date:  02-Oct-2009

Bristol’s On Site Apprentice of the Year is Tom Trevett of Kingswood. Tom, who completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Bricklaying in July, will now represent On Site and City of Bristol College as one of only 12 finalists in this year’s national SkillBuild Final in Glasgow - 6th to 9th October 2009.

His employer, Simon Thompson, Director of Kingswood Construction Ltd said: "We are delighted for Tom. Ever since On Site introduced him to Kingswood Construction he has shown an exceptional talent in his trade.  Tom is 100% reliable and learns quickly, so I am not surprised he has reached a national final recognising his skills. Winning the On Site award means a lot to Tom - it comes from hard work and determination.”  

Tom was presented with his award at a celebration event at the Council House yesterday (Thursday) evening. Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Christopher Davies, presented awards to twelve apprentice plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, plasterers and carpenters, as well as their employers, tutors and other supporters.

Set up in 1997 to promote the use of local labour in construction and apprenticeships, On Site Bristol is a partnership between Bristol City Council, Jobcentre Plus, Learning and Skills Council, Construction Skills and City of Bristol College. The annual awards recognise skills, dedication and achievements of young people involved in the programme, as well as the support they receive in the workplace.  

With over 250 young people enrolled at any one time, and an annual in take of around 100, On Site Bristol works with more than 150 local companies ranging from small and medium sized businesses to larger national organisations and their sub contractors. The contribution made by these businesses is vital to the programme and recognised through the evening’s ‘Employer of the Year’ category.  

In these trying economic times it is significant to note many companies continue to invest in the future.  One such company run by Bob March of Bristol received this year’s award for smaller employers.  Bob currently supports three apprentices and provides them with a range of work to develop their skills.  Bob said “It makes sense to me to give young people a chance and all the apprentices On Site helped me recruit are fine young men.  They all take responsibility, look after my customers and keep improving. I am really proud on behalf of the lads that we have received this award.”

Speaking at the event Iain Neary of Deeley Freed Estates Limited pointed out the need for the industry to support training and recruitment initiatives.  Iain said, “ On Site and the apprentices they support, many of whom don’t get the best start, are a great example of how partnerships can work for everyone’s benefits.  Coming from the private sector I am as aware as anyone of the need for businesses to maintain their margins but we need to protect the future.  On Site works closely with employers and other organisations to make sure their apprentices get the best possible opportunities.”

John Chudley, South West Director of the National Apprenticeship Service said:  “I warmly congratulate Tom Trevett for his fantastic achievement and On Site for the work they are doing in Bristol to promote Apprenticeships in the local construction industry.  Developing workforce skills is key to commercial competitiveness and developing those skills on the job through the Apprenticeship programme is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways of driving a business forward and increasing turnover - as I’m sure Kingswood Construction has discovered.”

Author:  Kate Hartas, Media and PR Officer, 0117 9222646

For all media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Corporate Communications on 0117 922 2650.

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