Member Article

Isle of Wight apprentice crowned best in Solent

An Isle of Wight apprentice has been crowned the best in the Solent, winning the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award at The News’ Business Excellence Awards.

Peter Wilson, from Shanklin, beat off stiff competition from scores of hopefuls from across the region to pick up the award on Friday (Feb 10).

Judges were impressed with the way he goes extra mile in his work, exceeds the expectations of his employers and works to inspire a new generation of apprentices.

It’s not the first time Peter, 25, has been recognised for his achievements. Last year he was crowned Barratt Homes’ apprentice of the year, beating off stiff competition from hundreds of others across the country.

He said: “The apprentice of the year category was one of the most hotly-contested and there were so many worthy winners, it’s an absolute honour to win. Promoting apprenticeships as an alternative career path is something I’m passionate about so I’m hoping to use winning this award as an opportunity to shout about how great they are.”

Tim Hill, managing director of Barratt Homes, added: “We’re all very proud of Peter and to have his achievements recognised outside the company as well as internally is fantastic. He’s a prime example of how our staff are committed and go the extra mile to exceed expectations.”

The five-star housebuilder, which is bringing several new developments to the Isle of Wight, was also applauded for its commitment to local communities at Friday’s awards ceremony.

The company won the ‘Community Contribution of the Year’ category for its innovative community centre project at Nursery Fields in Havant. There, apprentices from all trades came together to build a new community centre to benefit residents of all ages.

The project, thought to be a UK first, gave them the unique opportunity to work on their own construction project from start to finish. Working together they spent seven months building the centre, which features a hall able to seat 80 people, a meeting room, kitchen and outdoor space.

To find out more about the project and apprenticeships with Barratt Homes visit http://www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk/apprentices-and-trainees/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .