This week, JTL apprentice Jamie Clews was named the winner of the coveted ECA Edmundson ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Award.
The prestigious industry award, now in its 49th year, presented by the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), recognises the country’s leading electrotechnical and engineering services apprentices, and celebrates the talent, professionalism and promise of the next generation of electrical engineers.
Jamie, who recently completed his four-year electrotechnical apprenticeship with JTL at Loughborough College, is employed by Derry Building Services in Newark. His exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to excellence in the electrical sector, helped him stand out among an impressive group of finalists for the highly respected accolade for the electrical industry. Against the backdrop of London’s historic Trinity House, Jamie Clews was unveiled as 2024’s winner in a ceremony on 18 September. Jamie was awarded a £3,000 prize, state-of-the-art toolkit and an overseas study tour in Austria sponsored by Thorn Lighting.
Jamie Clews, winner of the ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award, said:
“I am delighted to have won this award, it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey to becoming a qualified electrical test engineer and I’m looking forward to a successful career in this sector. The electrical industry is evolving quickly and the skills I’ve gained through my apprenticeship with JTL and my employer, Derry Building Services, mean I have the hands-on experience and confidence to progress.
I’d encourage anyone to take up an apprenticeship in this trade, it’s a job for life and will open doors for so many opportunities.”
Dan Clifford, Jamie’s Training Officer at JTL, said:
“Jamie should be extremely proud of this achievement. His work was to a very high standard and he continued to show diligence throughout the four years of his training. I am pleased to have been a part of his journey.
Amongst an extremely high level of talent at the ECA Edmundson Electrical Awards, Jamie has excelled and demonstrated the value of his training to his employer as well as his commitment to high standards. I’m looking forward to seeing his career progress and wish him continued success.”
This achievement reflects the high-quality training provided by JTL and the support of his employer, Derry Building Services. His success at these competitive Awards is a testament to the importance of quality apprenticeships in developing the next generation of skilled professionals in the electrotechnical industry. JTL, one of the largest work-based learning providers in the UK, is dedicated to supporting apprentices like Jamie in gaining the hands-on experience and technical knowledge required to excel in their careers.
Joining Jamie as a deserving finalist was JTL’s Drew Lattaway from Maval Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Company in Middlesbrough. As one of the two runners-up, Drew was awarded £2,000 and a state-of-the-art toolkit.
As the UK faces a growing demand for skilled professionals in the building services and engineering sectors, the role of apprenticeships in meeting this need has never been more crucial. Jamie’s award not only highlights his individual achievement but also underscores the value of the apprenticeship route as a key driver of talent development in the electrotechnical field.