Nottingham apprentices win training awards

Three apprentices employed by building-services contractor Skerritt in Nottingham have won awards. Dean Birch (centre), 21, has been named the best apprentice in the East Midlands. He was declared area winner for practical achievement in electrical installation and received a £750 prize. Competing against hundreds of other electricians in the area, he produced the highest quality of electrical installation work after a week of practical examinations, which brought his 4-year apprenticeship to a close. The prize was awarded by national training organisation JTL and presented at a ceremony in the House of Lords. The other award-winning apprentices are Matt Spencer (left), 22, and Andy Smith (right), 21. They became the first Skerritt apprentices to receive an advanced apprenticeship award from the Nottinghamshire Training Network and Learning & Skills Council. Skerritt has been training apprentices for 60 years and takes on about 10 a year in mechanical and electrical engineering.

Related links:

• www.skerritt.co.uk