Apprentices Scoop Prizes.

Three of Jarvis Contracting's apprentices - two of them female - have recently been awarded prestigious prizes. Sophie Jeycock, an apprentice painter and decorator, has been awarded the best second-year prize at Barnfield College, Luton.

Sophie, 18, decided to train as a painter and decorator as she wanted a more hands-on job than office work. 'I'm really enjoying my work and am absolutely dedicated to my career,' she said. 'I think women can offer the industry a high level of skill and there should be more of us out there; I'm pleased that Jarvis is encouraging this.'

Amy Green, a carpentry and joinery apprentice at Ridgemond College, Stevenage, has been awarded a first-year prize, which honours individuals for their skill and commitment to training.

Amy, 17, is following in her family footsteps. 'My grandfather was a carpenter,' she explained, 'and for as long as I can remember that's what I've always wanted to do. I'm so glad that my employers are supporting me through my training so that I can achieve my ambition.'

Wayne Philips, a carpentry apprentice also attending Barnfield College, competed in the regional Skillbuild competition and won which enabled him to take part in the national Skillbuild competition held at the College and was awarded fourth prize. The competition was summed up by Barnfield Carpentry lecturer Phil Curran: 'Over a total of 19 hours, competitors are judged on a combination of planning skills, accuracy, quality, hand skills and their overall job knowledge.'

Wayne commented: 'Throughout my training I have been given the support and encouragement to succeed, for which I am very grateful.'

Paul Dodd, Head of Construction at Barnfield College, said of Sophie and Wayne: 'They both have great individual skills to offer the industry. We are delighted that Jarvis have been able to offer apprenticeships to them and are enabling more apprentices to start a career in building.'

Steve Cook, Managing Director added that, 'We would like to congratulate Amy, Sophie and Wayne and are pleased that Jarvis has been able to offer them the opportunity of joining the industry.'

Jarvis is recognised in the building industry for their training programmes, and its policy is to assist all of its employees to realise their personal aspirations and to achieve their highest potential. All staff are encouraged to develop their own careers and skills through access to lifelong learning opportunities.

We have a large direct labour force and are actively seeking to increase this number as the Group grows in size.

Jarvis Contracting is a division of the highly respected Jarvis Group of Harpenden, builders, developers, M&E and property maintenance company.

For further information please contact:
Jeffrey Hollis, Director of Marketing
Jarvis Contracting Ltd
N° 1 Waterside
Station Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire AL5 4US

Tel: 01582 711788
Email: jhollis@jarvisgroupltd.co.uk