Dodd Group celebrates top apprentices
Shropshire based Dodd Group has celebrated National Apprentice Week by announcing the winners of its Apprentices of the Year.
Following a hotly contested competition in which managers from Dodd Group’s UK wide business had to nominate their best apprentices and adult trainees from across its 3 operating divisions, the winners have been named.
Out of Dodd Group’s 175 apprentices and adult trainees, Kira Lacey, 27 from Telford was awarded Apprentice of the Year for Dodd Group’s Major Projects Division with Archie Ingram-Ray picking up the Property Services award and James Sheldrick the award for Defence and Utilities.
Kira’s extremely positive approach was highlighted in her nomination from her manager Richard Carpenter, who himself is a former Dodd Group apprentice. Richard commented “Despite not having a background in Building Services, Kira went straight on to her HNC whereas most would complete a Level 3 qualification first; this was a steep learning curve for Kira, but one that she tackled with enthusiasm and confidence. Kira is a key part of the Design Department, offering support to the wider team, particularly when it comes to the use of Revit and BIM procedures. She is currently involved in the design process of our Shrewsbury Academy project where her involvement was praised by Tilbury Douglas’ Project Manager Dan Harmer.”
The competition was judged by a panel which included John Kavanagh, Dodd Group’s Managing Director who commented “It is the likes of Kira that represent the future of our industry. The national skills shortage is well documented but we believe that by encouraging such pro-active people as Kira into the industry we can protect our business. I also hope that Kira’s success can inspire other women to join our industry as we strive to attract, develop, and promote more women in our company. She should be proud of her achievement as the standard of entries this year was particularly high and I look forward to monitoring her future progress”
Mark Davies, Regional Managing Director, presented the award to Kira. Mark commented “Kira’s progression has been exemplary and we are delighted with her academic progress as well as the positive impact that she has in the office. We now have several students working towards their HNC and it is great for them to have a role model like Kira to turn to for inspiration and advice”
The other winners were equally deserving, with 17 year old Archie from Smethwick overcoming neuro divergence to win over clients, colleagues and training providers with his enthusiasm and passion to succeed and James, 22, from King’s Lynn impressing with his dedication at college where he achieve 99% I his final exam and on site where his positive attitude in challenging environments was singled out.
One of Dodd local training providers, Chris Field, Business Development Manager at Telford College, commented: “Dodd Group is a model company who take on apprentices regularly and give them a platform to thrive. The company work with Telford College to support apprentices across the business, from Electricians to Business Administrators to IT Technicians. Apprentices are encouraged to develop their practical skills by having well measured tasks that allow them to be challenged in a supportive environment with mentors who offer the correct level of guidance. The success of the apprentices has been shown by the progression in their job roles throughout their apprenticeships and beyond when they have passed their End Point Assessments.”
