A talented Hartlepool apprentice has been praised by his training providers for his success in a prestigious competition, after been crowned the region’s best bricklayer for the second year in a row.
Working as an apprentice for the construction arm of leading regional house builder Yuill Homes, Yuill Construction, 20-year-old John Rudge has been the talk of the building site after he won the gold award in the northern section of the renowned Guild of Bricklayers Competition - being crowned regional winner for the second successive year.
Currently studying his Level Two Diploma in Bricklaying and Trowel Occupations at Hartlepool College of Further Education, John wowed the judging panel by demonstrating his brick-work ability following the construction of a specialist wall.
John said: “Working as an on-site apprentice has enabled me to put what I have learned at college into practice and has helped me to develop my skills which I hope will help me to secure employment in the future. I am very proud of what I have achieved and hope to continue to better myself in the future."
John has been gaining on-site experience for the last 12 months working as an apprentice for Yuill Construction, on the Railway Housing Association affordable development scheme at Hillingdon, in Spennymoor. The development which is scheduled for completion in autumn 2011 will provide 14 new homes on-site, for people aged 55 and over.
Anne Rowlands, Chief Executive for Railway Housing Association, said: “We are very pleased with the progress that has been made on the Hillingdon development so far and are extremely happy with the high standards that have been achieved. As an organisation that supports the recruitment and training of our own apprentices, it is fantastic to see a contractor like Yuill Homes supporting its trainees on-site. We would like to congratulate John for all his achievements.”
Rob Burrell, production manager at Yuill Homes, said: “The reason why Yuill Homes is an award winning house builder is because not only do we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality in our finished product, but also make sure that we employ the most talented tradesman to do the job.
“We are extremely proud of our relationship with Hartlepool College of Further Education, which continues to produce high quality skilled apprentices ready for the work place - of which John is no exception. He has proved both in his studies and on-site that he is the best man for the job and we would like to congratulate John for his dedication as an apprentice so far.”
Graham McPhail, Director of Apprenticeships at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “Everyone at the college is delighted that John has been recognised for his talented brickwork. He has shown what it takes to succeed through his determination and willingness to learn after previously being unemployed.
“I would like to thank Yuill Homes for its continued support of trainees and partnership with the college and wish John all the best for the future.”
Working in partnership with Hartlepool College of Further Education, the Yuill Homes’ apprenticeship scheme offers local trainees, who are working towards an NVQ in construction, the chance to gain on-the-job experience which is essential for developing their skills, giving them a greater chance of gaining construction employment in the future.
For more information about where Yuill Homes is building in your area, please visit: www.yuillhomes.co.uk.
