A former Forth Valley College electrician apprentice has finally been recognised for his exceptional talent in the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) Apprentice of the Year awards, sponsored by Edmundson Electrical.
After a year’s delay due to lockdown, Patrick Henderson was presented with the 2020 Apprentice of the Year award in a special ceremony with his employer, Atalian Servest AMK in Loanhead, shortly before Christmas 2021.
Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “The SJIB Apprentice of the Year awards, sponsored by Edmundson Electrical, celebrate the best new talent in our industry, and Patrick has demonstrated excellent skill and dedication.
“We were disappointed that we were forced to postpone the 2020 ceremony, but we are equally delighted that Patrick has now been recognised for his exceptional talent.”
Derek Allen, Scottish Regional Director of Edmundson Electrical, added: “Patrick should be rightfully proud of this achievement and his employer and college lecturers should also be praised for continuing to help develop the talent of tomorrow.”
As well as receiving a trophy and certificate, Patrick also received £500 from the SJIB and £500 from Edmundson Electrical.
The 23-year-old from Falkirk – who successfully completed his studies at Forth Valley College's Falkirk Campus – said: “When I started my apprenticeship, it didn’t even cross my mind that I’d win an award like this. I just saw it as a job but it turns out I was good at it!
“It does feel strange to actually receive the award now because I’ve qualified, but I’m happy to finally get my hands on it! A lot of the credit goes to the training I got at college, plus all the support from Atalian Servest AMK and my colleagues.
“I enjoy the challenges the job brings and want to go as far as I can in my career. I’m currently doing my HNC in electrical engineering and am really pleased this is the path I followed, I feel like I’ve made the right choice.”
Atalian Servest AMK Director Mike Stark said: “We’re all so proud that Patrick’s finally been given this award and he absolutely deserves it.
“From day one, he knew what he wanted to do and what his end goal was. When he started, he pretty much said he wanted my job and that’s what I wanted to hear – it shows his approach to things.
“We have a great dedication to our apprentices and like to take them on a journey from day one to when they complete their apprenticeship. But we can only do so much – the remainder is down to the application and commitment of the apprentice.”
Patrick was presented with his award at the same time as the 2021 apprentice of the year, Cameron Wood, 21, who works for JS Hardie Electrical Ltd in Lauder, Berwickshire, after completing his studies at Borders College in Galashiels.
Mike added: “I’ve got so much respect for what the SJIB and Edmundson are doing to recognise the achievements of electrical apprentices like Patrick and Cameron despite COVID-19. They deserve it.”
Founded in 1969 by electrical trade association SELECT and Unite the Union, the SJIB’s duties include regulating between employers and employees, providing benefits for people engaged in the industry, and stimulating industry progress. In addition, it has oversight of employment, skills and proficiency, health and safety competence, wages and welfare benefits across the electrical industry in Scotland.
Edmundson Electrical is an electrical wholesaler that serves Scotland from more than 37 locations. Its customer base includes electrical contractors and engineers, industrial companies, facilities management, government agencies and local authorities.
