An apprentice electrician has gained regional recognition after winning a high-profile award for his Nantwich firm.
James Leigh, a full time trainee estimator at Gilks Nantwich Ltd, scooped the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) West Midlands Apprentice of the Year prize.
The 23-year-old learnt all the tricks of his trade after completing an apprenticeship at South Cheshire College while working as an electrician for the Nantwich company.
James was nominated for the award by staff at Gilks Nantwich where he has impressed in different roles during the past five years.
As well as gaining an NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installations qualification during the apprenticeship, James also topped up his qualifications in the workplace by completing additional electrical training courses.
James, of Warrington, said: “I am thrilled to win this award which tops off an excellent apprenticeship at South Cheshire College.
“I’ve learnt so much about Electrical Installations which I’ve been able to apply to the workplace.
“The apprenticeship has been the best option for me and it has paid dividends because I’m progressing well with my career at Gilks Nantwich.”
The ECA is the UK’s leading trade association which represents the interests of contractors who design, install, inspect, test and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and services.
ECA Edmundson awards recognise high quality apprentices and trainees who have excelled in workplaces throughout the UK.
Paul Coogan, Gilks Nantwich Ltd contracts manager and apprentice mentor, said: “We are very pleased James has been recognised on a regional scale.
“He has a very good knowledge of all aspects of the company and has been heavily involved with some major electrical installations projects with us, including a two year multi million pound project for Seddon Construction at Barton Moss Young person’s care facility.
“We have always had high hopes for James since he linked up with us and he has been a big asset to the company. He has really set the bar now for future apprentices.
Karen Wollaston, company secretary for Gilks Nantwich, added: “Apprenticeships with South Cheshire College have worked really well for us and James has been an excellent member of staff to have with us.”
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