Apprentices jump for joy after landing national final place

A group of young JCB employees are jumping for joy after securing a place in the national finals of a competition to find the apprentice team of the year. 

The contest - called the Brathay Apprentice Challenge – set 75 teams across the UK the task of promoting apprenticeships to businesses and young people. Now the nine-strong JCB group has reached the last eight of the competition after securing one of the highest point scores. They learn on June 14th if they have been crowned champions after taking part in a team building final.

The JCB team comprises Joshua Gwilliam, 24, of Uttoxeter; Louise Meredith, 19, of Meir Heath, Stoke-on-Trent; Abigail Hodgson, 21, of Rugeley; Jade Holmes, 19, of Hilton, Derby; Sam Tozer, 21, of Duffield, Derby; Dominic Moore, 23, of Littleover, Derby; Ryan Thursfield, 22, of Cheadle; Adam Banton, 18, of Walsall and Harry Docker, 18, of Burton.

Mechanical Engineering Apprentice Joshua Gwilliam said: “We are delighted to have made it to the final. We’re proud of the work we’ve done and pleased our hard work has paid off.”
Higher Engineering Apprentice Louise Meredith said: “I am really proud of what the team has achieved; we have all pulled together and worked so hard to get to this stage.”

Higher Engineering Apprentice Jade Holmes added: “It’s been a great opportunity for us and for the young people we’ve spoken to. They were able to explore the opportunities apprenticeships offer and it’s given us the chance to help them decide on future career options.”

The JCB team paid 15 visits to schools and youth groups to speak about the benefits of apprenticeships and also hosted a business breakfast to encourage other employers to offer apprenticeships. They also undertook a community project at the NSPCC's Staffordshire Service Centre at Carole House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, decorating an art room, renovating picnic benches and planting shrubs and flowers.