And the winner is...

In a close competition, mark’s considered approach to his work won the day

What the judges said...

The runners up

Simon Barker
Twenty one year old Simon Barker works for John Kay Electrical of Royston Herts, and is in his third year of training at the Cambridge Regional College. Simon has completed his City & Guilds 2351, in which he achieved credits in a number of the components. His tutor, Roy Wilson, is very pleased at the progress Simon has made, as is his managing director, C A Hardy, who says Simon’s achievement (to reach the finals) is of great pride to the company. “Simon has worked hard,” states Hardy, “I hope this will encourage the company’s other trainees.” Simon has been involved in a number of projects undertaken by John Kay Electrical, including work on a new stand at Newmarket, upgrading of a church, a prestige country house, community centre and sports pavilion, plus various work for the University of Cambridge and individual colleges. In his spare time, among other things, Simon goes canoeing, rock climbing, walking and camping. Denis Mulcahy
Denis Mulcahy, 21, has the distinction of being the second Cork Institute of Technology student in a row to reach the finals of the Apprentice of the Year awards. Denis is in his last year as a maintenance electrical apprentice with Kerry Ingredients (Ireland) of Listowel, Co Kerry. He is in the maintenance department of this food ingredients company and has been involved in all aspects of the business, ranging from motor repair to plc installation, fault diagnosis and rectification. His employer, Donie Culloty, says: “The company was delighted at Denis reaching the finals.” His tutor, Donal Neally, who encouraged Denis to enter for the Award, says: “As a student he shows great potential, and becoming a finalist in the Apprentice Awards will be extremely valuable to him throughout his career in the electrical industry.” Denis adds that becoming a finalist will be excellent to put on his cv. In his free time he likes to swim, play football and fish.