Andrew Scotland, Contracts Manager (pictured left with Kristofer M to the right), gave the following presentation:
“This year marks the 20th year this trophy has been presented. This is also the 11th year it has been known as the Freddie Blues Memorial Award. For the benefit of those who have joined us in the past 12 months, Freddie was George Nicolson’s very first apprentice who is sadly no longer with us but it is fitting we remember Freddie through this Award. (No directors or senior management are involved in the voting as the nominees are voted for by our site operatives and site management only) .
Last year continuing to live and work through the pandemic was a challenge for everyone. That, on top of the previous year, was one of the most testing times the company has ever experienced.
2021 saw Alasdair K, Keiren M and very recently Daryl W join us. I am pleased to say all 3 of you have settled in well and are receiving positive reviews from both site and college.
Last year also saw both Kristofer M and James McF pass their Skills Tests and graduate to tradespeople so well done to the both of them.
Now as a group it is time to look forward to the year ahead. The company has provided each of you with the platform and tools along with the support and guidance to become good tradespeople, pass your Skills Test and hopefully earn the contract that we want you to. Each of you should be desperate to achieve this goal. You all have it in you to do this but you must grasp this opportunity with both hands and realise what is in front of you and the opportunity you have. Continue to work hard both on site and at college.
Now I am not sure if you realise this but at this present time, there are 12 employees right throughout the company who served their apprenticeships here ranging from Directors, Senior Management to Site Operatives. This shows that what we discussed in your job interviews about training and developing our employees is true.
And now to the Award. I know I say this every year but there is no reason why any of you cannot win this award next time round. The two people coming up to accept their Awards have achieved this by impressing their lecturers, site managers and tradespeople with great work and maintaining high standards. We would like to congratulate Kristofer M on receiving our Apprentice Of The Year Award 2021. We also extend our congratulations to Kye H (pictured to the right with Andrew Scotland) for being the runner up.”
Young people are a vital part of our dynamic workforce as they are ambitious, motivated and eager to learn from our experienced tradespeople. The ongoing encouragement, development and nurturing of the young talent we employ will ensure they are kept engaged, work up to their true potential and learn important life skills.
