A THURROCK Council apprentice worker has won the national Nordic Pioneer Overall Apprentice of the Year award and was presented with his prize on Wednesday (6 February) 2013.
Lewis English, from Stanford-le-Hope was one of a dozen apprentices Nordic Pioneer placed with the council’s environment team where they received work experience and on-the-job supervision and mentoring.
In June 2012 the apprentices started a one-year programme in Street Services, including working in each of the street cleansing, grounds maintenance, cemeteries, parks and open spaces, and horticulture areas.
They are rotated to different service areas monthly to help make sure they receive as wide range of experience and learning about a broad cross section of work as possible.
Different activities each month also ensure interest levels are well maintained resulting in the very low drop out rate.
Lewis English’s nominating statement said his enthusiastic and positive approach stood out and he has consistently achieved an exemplary standard of work.
Nordic Pioneer’s chief executive officer Peter Robinson said: “At a time when youth unemployment is sky high and universities are becoming more and more expensive, apprenticeships offer talented and hardworking individuals a route into employment.
“We are proud to recognise the outstanding achievements of Lewis and congratulate him on becoming Nordic Pioneer’s Overall Apprentice of the Year.
“We also congratulate Thurrock Council for supporting Lewis and continuing to run an excellent apprenticeship programme.
