Andrew Hardy shortlisted for NFB Apprentice of the Year

Carpentry apprentice Andrew Hardy has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at this year’s NFB Awards.

Andrew, a carpentry apprentice from Pontypridd, is one of our older apprentices who is currently placed with Willis Construction. As well as studying for a Level 3 NVQ and diploma in site carpentry at Coleg y Cymoedd, he has taken up an evening course to complete his Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing.

Mansel Powell, Course Tutor and Deputy Head of School at Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “Andrew has achieved exceptional marks in both practical and theory tests and manages to cope with an exceptional busy workload both in and out of college. He constantly achieves a high standard of practical work and works well as an individual and within a group. He encourages other students around him and is always pleasant, enthusiastic and conscience. Andrew continually looks to improve his skills and enjoys completing more difficult tasks. He is a pleasure to teach and would be a deserved nominee for any award.”

Andrew is trusted by Willis to carry out additional work beyond what is expected of an apprentice, such as health and safety checks, setting up procedures for new flats to ensure any faults are rectified efficiently, doing listings for missing parts, meeting clients and giving tours of the sites. His ability to carry out skilled jobs combined with his flexible approach to work has made him a valuable and respected team member.

Darryl Williams, Programme Manager at Y Prentis, said: “Andrew is one of our outstanding apprentices who thoroughly deserves to be shortlisted for this award. His ability to manage his personal commitments while consistently delivering a high-standard of work is admirable. The feedback we regularly receive from both his college tutor and Willis Construction shows what a well-respected young man he is with a natural talent for the trade, and I have no doubt that he will go far within the industry.”

Andrew is also in the running for FMB Cymru’s Master Builder Awards, which you can read more about here.

The winner will be announced at the NFB Awards which takes place at The Belfry Hotel & Resort on Thursday 4 April.