Edinburgh's Thomas Morgan named Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2016

APPRENTICE plasterer Thomas Morgan has been named the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2016 following his training at Edinburgh College.

Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2016 Thomas Morgan and John Laing, Head of Centre Institute of Construction & Building Crafts at Edinburgh College. Picture: supplied

Thomas, 21, fought off stiff competition from trade apprentices throughout the UK, going head to head with eight other finalists at an event in London.

Thomas, who attends Edinburgh College, has not only been awarded the title, but has also received the top prize of a £10,000 ultimate business and trade bundle including everything he needs to get a kick-start in the industry.

As part of the win, Edinburgh College has also been provided with £2000 worth of Screwfix vouchers to spend on equipment for their construction centre, helping to continue to provide services for tomorrow’s trade professionals.

Thomas said: “I couldn’t believe it when my name was read out as the winner of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice Award, I never win anything.

“The business bundle will enable me to continue with my studies, and I will also be able to get my hands on some new tools.

“I plan to use the prize to help me to fund a degree in construction management so eventually I can progress into a managerial role and train other apprentices.

“I hope to be a real ambassador to others and highlight what a great career being in the trade is.

“What a brilliant first step on the ladder this has given me.”

John Laing, head of the Institute of Construction and Building Crafts at Edinburgh College, said: “Thomas is a keen and enthusiastic student who always uses his initiative to produce work of the finest quality.

“He is an inspiration to other students and apprentices and shows what is achievable through hard work and dedication.

“Thomas has become a role model to other students and has been actively involved in creating a better learning environment for all students, through liaising between students and teaching staff.

“Thomas is a great team player and all construction staff would like to congratulate him on this tremendous achievement.”

In its second year, this highly competitive award led by Screwfix aims to recognise and champion the best trade apprentices in the UK.

Andrew Livingston, CEO of Screwfix, added: “We’re particularly keen to support apprentices, on whose shoulders the future of the trade industry depends.

“This competition reaches thousands of apprentices and trainees at the start of their careers, encouraging them to strive for excellence in their craft and achieve the very highest professional standards.

“It’s vital that education providers, such as Edinburgh College, are training apprentices to a high standard so that we can develop a strong future for the UK trade industry.”