An apprentice fitter from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is celebrating after being named 'Year One Apprentice of the Year' in a national competition.
Originally from Bradford, twenty-three-year-old Neil Clark works at the SSEN depot in Slough, having started his apprenticeship with the company in September 2015.
The initial part of his training was undertaken at Bracknell College where he completed his City and Guilds Technical Certificate with flying colours before progressing to the UCT in Manchester, where he excelled in his Fitters' Introduction Course and Fitters' Maintenance Course.
But being an apprentice fitter wasn't Neil's first career choice, as he explains:
"I've had various different jobs and careers paths since I left school and at one point I had even considered a medical career and worked as a trainee nurse. None of them though had felt like quite the right 'fit' for me and it wasn't until I started this apprentice that I realised I had found something I really wanted to progress in and keep learning.
"Receiving this award just reinforces to me that I've made the right career choice for me and I'd say to anyone considering an apprenticeship to give it their best shot."
Austin Cobb, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Head of Thames Valley Region added:
"Neil has worked extremely hard and instructors at both Bracknell College and the UCT in Manchester have praised him highly for his commitment and determination. His 'can do' attitude combined with a strong desire to improve his practical skills and theoretical knowledge has made him a popular and reliable member of the team at the depot and a very worthy recipient of the 'Year one Apprentice of the Year'."
The National Apprenticeship Awards challenge top apprenticeship employers and apprentices across England to come forward and show how apprenticeships have made a real difference to their organisation and careers.