Two Y Prentis apprentices in the running for FMB Cymru’s Apprentice of the Year

Two apprentices from Y Prentis, Ieuan Humphries and Andrew Hardy, are in the running for this year’s FMB Master Builder Awards in the Apprentice of the Year category.

Ieuan Humphries, a plastering apprentice from Llanishen, joined us in May last year. Placed with NTJ Plastering, he has completed his Level 2 Diploma in Plastering and is currently working towards his Level 3 qualification at Cardiff and Vale College.

As an apprentice. he has continually been praised for his great work ethic and his willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of him. He travels all over South Wales and Swansea for different jobs when required and both his attendance and attitude to work is exceptional.

Dean Phillips, Ieuan’ s mentor at NTJ Plasterers, said: “Ieuan has made some great progress over the last few months. His attitude towards work is second to none and the quality of his work is exceptional. He is always keen to learn more and a pleasure to teach – I look forward to taking him on as part of our team once his apprenticeship is over.”

Our second apprentice in the running is Andrew Hardy, a carpentry apprentice from Pontypridd. Andrew is one of our older apprentices and 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.

Andrew’s ability to manage his personal commitments with his apprenticeship is demonstrable by his ability to consistently carry out a number of complex tasks to a high standard. He 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.

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.”

The winner will be announced at the FMB Cymru Master Builder Awards Gala Dinner which takes place on Friday 10 May at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cardiff.