Apprentice Awards 2008

11th June 2008 saw Lovell recognise the hard work and effort of our apprentices at an activity and awards event held at The Waterfront, Warwickshire, hosted by Lovell Managing Director Stewart Davenport.

The Lovell Apprentice of the Year Award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate our apprentices’ exceptional contributions to their workplace. The judges were looking for apprentices that make a real difference to the company by going beyond everyone’s expectations and delivering measurable benefits.   The winner might have introduced a new idea or initiative that has had a positive impact on the business, for example doing something that has improved procedures and systems, or made an important contribution to the development of a product or special project. In particular, the judges are looking for entries that demonstrate the following: 1. Commitment to personal development and progression through learning 2. Outstanding contributions to the workplace, in particular areas or projects where expectations have been exceeded 3. Examples of achievement and attainment in learning and work 4. Inspirational qualities

The Personal Achiever of the Year Award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate apprentices who have successfully overcome barriers or obstacles, personally or in the workplace, to achieve their goals and exceed all expectations.

The judges were looking for inspirational stories of apprentices' exceptional achievements. In particular, entrants that demonstrate the following:

1. Commitment to their own personal development and progression through learning

2. Ability to overcome obstacles and barriers in learning or at work

3. Inspirational qualities.

The 2008 winners were:

The Lovell National Apprentice of the Year was Sian Noke.

Sian, 26, from Maesteg, Glamorgan, South Wales, was chosen as the Lovell Apprentice of the Year from more than 100 apprentices working for the company in England, Scotland and Wales.

Apprentice of the Year Sian joined Lovell in 2005. “Sian is a star,” says operations manager Lee Woodfine who nominated her. “She has made remarkable progress and her training portfolio is used as an example of best practice. Her work is of a consistently excellent standard and she displays a tremendous appetite for learning new skills.”

With the support of Lovell, Sian has gained NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Carpentry and Maintenance Operations and is now working towards her NVQ Level 3 qualification in Carpentry. Sian also represents Lovell as a Construction Ambassador visiting schools to promote career opportunities in construction.

The Lovell National Personal Achiever of the Year was Yvonne Irwin.

Yvonne Irwin, 19, from Derby was named as the company’s Personal Achiever of the Year. Yvonne joined Lovell at the start of 2007. After completing her NVQ Level 2 qualification in brickwork with the company’s backing, she is now working towards the NVQ Level 3 qualification. “Yvonne has shown outstanding dedication,” says Lovell site manager Darren Peck. “She is prompt, enthusiastic and hard-working.”

“Sian and Yvonne have both made a great start to their careers with the support of the Lovell Craft Academy apprentice training programme,” says Lovell craft training advisor Les Inkpen. “The company is keen to encourage other talented young people to follow in their footsteps.”