Shropshire construction company receives royal invitation
An award-winning Shropshire construction company received a royal invitation recently in recognition of the achievements and success of their apprentices.
J R Slee Building & Joinery Contractors, based at Condover Industrial Estate, Shrewsbury, was the only county business to receive an invitation to the ‘Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremonies’ at Buckingham Palace, attended by The Duke of York.
Rodney Slee, managing director of the firm, which has won several accolades for its building and restoration work, was invited, along with Joe Price, who has recently graduated as an apprentice carpenter with the firm. Joe is a former winner of a national ‘Apprentice of the Year’ competition.
“The event was to congratulate companies and their apprentices who have achieved outstanding results in very difficult times,” explained Mr Slee, who founded the firm 22 years ago.
“The ceremony reinforced the importance of the survival of companies who not only provide work for local employees but also have a policy of training for the future. We are very grateful for the support we receive from our clients which has contributed to our success.
“However, it is imperative that companies like ours receive the backing of local authorities and other organisations to keep employment within the Shropshire economy and help us to continue to create jobs for local young people,” he stressed.
Joe Price (21), who lives in Lawley Village in Telford, said that it was an amazing experience to be invited to an event in Buckingham Palace.
“It was an honour and a privilege to be invited by the Duke of York. He was very appreciative of the achievements of the apprentices and their employers,” he said.
Joe finished fifth in the World Skills competition held last year in London, which aims to showcase high standards in the industrial and service sectors, beating other carpenters from around the globe.
J R Slee specialises in sympathetic restorations and renovations and well as new build work in the commercial, domestic and public sectors and counts the National Trust, Telford and Wrekin Council and Powys County Council amongst its prestigious clients.
