T Clarke announces first female apprentice winner

T Clarke held its Apprentice of the Year awards at the firm’s London headquarters today.

The presentation was hosted by local Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes.

Nicola Zeni from T Clarke’s London division won first prize. She is currently in the second year of a four year apprenticeship, having spent two years training at college before joining the firm.

Nicola, who took time out from current on the job training at London-based commercial project Regent’s Place, thanked everyone in the firm who had an input in her apprenticeship.

She also said: “Starting off your career at college does help, as you know what you’re doing a lot more than if you are just sent onto site as a green.”

The two runners-up were Lee Holmes from Preston-based JJ Cross and Philip Hadaway of WE Manin in Sittingbourne.

Simon Hughes said: “It’s not just a prize for what you are – it’s a recognition of what you can be.”

He also praised T Clarke for its ‘team spirit’, adding: “You are an exemplar as a firm, as you don’t throw people out into the big wide world. You train them and then take them on as part of the workforce.”

T Clarke chief executive Russell Race, who introduced the presentation, said: “Three out of four of our executives came here as apprentices. That says everything.”

He added: “Clients appreciate that we are offering a workforce that is our own.”

T Clarke is currently celebrating 120 years in the electrical contracting business and has a lengthy commitment to apprentice training.