Jamie Clews of Newark-based electrical contracting business Derry Building Services has been recognised as one of the country’s leading electrotechnical and engineering services apprentices, after winning the coveted 2024 ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award during a ceremony held at Trinity House in London.
Jamie, who works for ECA member-firm Derry Building Services, was trained by leading apprenticeships provider JTL. After overcoming fierce competition from two other finalists, Jamie won prizes including £3,000 and an overseas study tour sponsored by industry manufacturer Thorn Lighting.
The two runners-up, who each won £2,000 and a state-of-the-art toolkit, are:
- Drew Lattaway, of Maval Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Co. Ltd
- Rheef Owen, of NG Bailey
Apprentice of the Year 2024 Jamie Clews of Derry Building Services said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Derry Building Services and the inspection and testing team who taught me everything I know today. I’m also grateful for my excellent training from JTL. I’d like to acknowledge how important this award is for progressing my career and in my role as an electrical inspection and testing engineer.
I would encourage other apprentices to try their best and see how far they can go in this fast-moving and exciting industry.”
Derry Building Services Managing Director Mark Townsend said: “We are immensely proud of Jamie for being named this year’s ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year. Jamie has shown a level of professionalism, commitment and competency throughout his apprenticeship far beyond his years and is a credit to both himself and the industry. He has a very bright future ahead of him at DBS and we look forward to him continuing his development with us.”
ECA President Stuart Smith said: “All three finalists did remarkably well to reach the final judging stage, and doing so is a testament to themselves, their employers, and their training providers.
To win, applicants had to show the judges that they can be a role model for the next generation of engineering apprentices. There is always tough competition as the judges consider the most impressive entries, and so it proved once again this year.
My heartfelt congratulations go to Jamie and Derry Building Services, as he takes his next steps in a rewarding and exciting electrical career.”
Managing Director of Edmundson Electrical Mark Felber said: “Edmundson Electrical are passionate about encouraging young people to find a rewarding career in our industry, and are delighted to have sponsored for the last 49 years the industry leading ECA Edmundson Apprentice of the Year Award.
Many congratulations to Jamie for winning our 2024 final, and also well done to the other two finalists Drew and Rheef for making such an impressive start to their careers.”