1 June 2015, 08:00
One of ALE’s apprentices, Oliver Jones, is a star in the making after becoming a runner up in a national awards scheme for apprentices.
The Stars of the Future, ran by Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) for trainees in the plant-hire industry, recognises and awards those who stand out at the early stages of their careers. Based at the Hixon, UK, branch, Oliver joined ALE as an apprentice fitter in April 2012.
After being assessed throughout the academic year on his work in college and at ALE in the work environment, Stafford College had put him forward for the award.
Oliver was then shortlisted as one of the finalists and judged at national level. He was awarded second place by Richard Noble, former land speed record holder, at the presentation event.
Gary Pemberton, Workshop Manager at Hixon, who has been mentoring Oliver said: “Since Olly joined ALE, his confidence has grown and I’ve watched him transform into a different person with the support of his workmates and his own hard work. Olly did an excellent job, not only representing Stafford College, but also ALE.
“Although he was pipped to the post, I am proud of what he has achieved and hope he continues his interest and enthusiasm towards the workshops and ALE. Olly is an asset of the company, setting the benchmark for apprentices, and I hope the up and coming apprentices take up the challenge as Olly did.”
Oliver was proud of his win, commenting: “I’m really enjoying my time working and studying with ALE. My apprenticeship has given me the hands-on experience as well as the opportunity to learn from Gary and the team.”
ALE takes on many apprentices across its global network of branches and has taken on five apprentices in the last four years in the UK alone.