An apprentice at G&H Maintenance has won a leading industry award for his commitment to career progression.
Tom Metcalfe, aged 21, won the Individual Achievement category of the Yorkshire region’s Building and Engineering Service Training Awards.
The awards are run by BESA, the Building Engineering Services Association, which is the UK’s leading trade organisation for contractors active in the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, engineering and servicing of buildings.
Tom started his role as Apprentice Service and Maintenance Engineer at the G&H Group in August 2013.
He initially applied while still at school and his enthusiasm was clear so after his interview, the Human Resources department advised he completed his A-Level exams and then employed him after he received his results.
While Tom was still at school he carried out some work experience with G&H during the school holidays showing his commitment and enthusiasm.
Tom is currently studying for an NVQ Level 3 in Service and Maintenance at Leeds College of Building and is completing domestic and commercial gas qualifications.
Tom Metcalfe, said: “During sixth form half-terms I worked for G&H Maintenance gaining valuable experience and this cemented my decision to pursue a career as a service maintenance engineer.
“My future goals are to study further qualifications in either electrical and refrigeration to become a multi-skilled service engineer.
“With these further qualifications and experience my aim is to become a team leader and supervisor.
“After being with the company for over two years I have experienced a wide range of mechanical systems and appliances in both domestic and commercial environments.
“The variety of work available every day is a new challenge, from fault finding on boilers to identifying leaks on heating systems, and I enjoy all different types of work.“
Sarah Warburton, Employer Engagement Advisor at Leeds College of Building, said: “Tom shows unwavering commitment to the course and shows great ability in both the practical and theory elements of the qualification.
“He is continuing to improve while studying NVQ level 3 where I am sure he will be successful.
“Tom is a credit to the industry and his company and I am sure he will be a major asset to the site team.”
G&H Maintenance’s Andy Eveleigh, who mentors Tom, said: “Tom fully deserves to win this award.
“He has proven to be a valuable asset to us and has shown an outstanding attitude and interest towards learning and the job.
“This has enabled him to develop good practical and technical skills to carry out the array of tasks needed to become a competent engineer.
“Tom’s keen interest means that he is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to seeing his career continue to develop.”
PHOTOGRAPH: Tom Metcalfe (right) shows off his award with G&H Maintenance’s Andy Eveleigh (left).