Apprentices praised after winning awards for Wolverhampton work
APPRENTICES working in the city have proved they are among the best after being named the country's top novices.
Corey Dolan and Lucan Spittle picked up prizes after bosses at West Midlands-based Dodd Group put the youngsters forward for company awards.
The pair, who won praise after working on Wolverhampton projects, defeated competition from across the nation to be crowned champions.
Managing director of Dodd Group John Kavanagh, who was on the judging panel, said: "It is the likes of Corey and Lucan that represent the future of our industry.
"The national skills shortage is well documented but we believe that by encouraging such pro-active people these two into the industry we can protect our business.
"They should both be proud of their achievements as the standard of entries this year was particularly high and I look forward to monitoring their future progress."
Managers from Dodd Group's nationwide branches were tasked with nominating their best apprentices and adult trainees to battle for the awards.
Judges were impressed with apprentice mechanical engineer Ms Dolan and adult trainee Mr Spittle, handing them prizes in categories projects and property care.
The duo were presented with their awards by Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Elias Mattu last week.
Ms Dolan, who was the company's first female winner, joined the company as a site administrator working on the refurbishment of the city's Civic Centre.
It was not long before she seized the initiative and approached the group managing director, asking to be considered for the role of trainee engineer, the company said.
She has go on to complete her first year in a building services engineering course while working on site.
Judges also noted they were impressed with Mr Spittle's 'attitude and proactive approach' after he took a leap of faith, leaving his career as a housing support officer.
He then self-funded his training to become a heating engineer, taking an unpaid role to put the finishing touches to his training portfolio.
Dodd Group then helped Mr Spittle complete his qualifications before offering him a full time job when an opening appeared with its Wolverhampton Homes Partnership.
Mr Kavanagh said the company employs more than 50 people in Wolverhampton, adding: "We employ a large number of people from the surrounding area to work both from our Wolverhampton branch and at head office in nearby Telford.
"By continuing to invest in local employment, training and apprenticeship schemes we are able to help build a sustainable community."
