JTL honours top apprentice

London based electrical apprentice James Boyle, 22, has been chosen from 10 000 competitors to be named best apprentice 2008 at JTL’s National Awards Ceremony.

The newly qualified electrician, who works for Docklands-based Inviron, represented London against nine regional finalists from England and Wales. The annual competition is organised by JTL, training provider of advanced apprenticeships to the building services engineering sector.

As well as receiving a trophy and plaque celebrating his achievement, James collected a cash prize amounting to £2250.

On being proclaimed ‘the best of the best’, James Boyle commented: “The last four years have been a real challenge but winning this prize and knowing I’ve got a great future ahead of me made it all worthwhile. I can’t thank enough my JTL mentor, Danny Blyth-Tancock and employer Inviron, as well as all the staff at Carshalton College who have helped me gain the necessary skills and experience that will help me in the future. They’ve inspired and encouraged me to recognise what I can achieve as an electrician.”

Inviron’s general manager, Rob Robson, said: “We’re all very proud of James, it’s great to see a young person grow into a really accomplished craftsperson and to see his hard work and commitment to both Inviron and his apprenticeship recognised.

“As a company we fully support apprenticeships and have benefited from working with JTL in finding and developing capable, solid apprentices with enthusiasm. If I could say anything, it would be to encourage more companies to take on apprentices as they are the future of the industry and in my experience have really helped us grow our business.”

JTL’s chief executive, Denis Hird, said: “We’ve got 4000 employers who already do a great job by taking on and mentoring apprentices, we just wish there were more. These awards have been a perfect example of how apprentices can, and have, helped contribute to the growth of a business – something I’m sure our 10 winning employers will agree.”