Last updated at 10:04, Monday, 01 March 2010

WEST Cumbrian apprentices were among the top winners at a prestigious awards ceremony this month.

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The GEN II awards, at Lillyhall’s Energus facility, recognised the achievement of apprentices across Cumbria. Around 200 people attended the glitzy event at which 15 apprentices were rewarded for their hard work.

One winner was Rebecca Dodgson who works for Corus. The 19-year-old was named most improved learner of the year.

She said: “It’s been an exciting night. My mam had a lump in her throat all night because she was so pleased for me.”

The judges said: “Rebecca has developed her skill and knowledge throughout the year to consistently improve and achieve the best possible results not only practically but also at college whilst completing the Technical Certificate. The trainers are delighted with her achievements and her approach to learning.”

Neil Brown, of Flimby, scooped the top award, Gen II learner of the year. The 28-year-old was also named electrical apprentice of the year. He said: “GEN II have given me a cracking opportunity particularly being the age I am and one of the oldest apprentices here.

“I’ve worked with some fantastic apprentices during my time with GEN II and I think everyone is worthy of this award – I’m just so thrilled.”

The judges said: “His enthusiasm for learning has been an inspiration both to his peers and trainers.”

The night’s other top winner was Ashton Neesham, a process worker for Aspatria bed manufacturer Sealy. Ashton, 44, picked up the adult learner of the year honour. He has been with the firm for 11 years and has completed a level three in business improvement techniques with Gen II.

He said: “The level three has been a great course and has given me a lot more confidence on the shopfloor. I’ve been able to put a lot of ideas from the course into good practice at work.”

The judges called him “an excellent example to other adult learners”.

All the winners were invited to visit the Houses of Parliament by Copeland MP Jamie Reed.

A special award was given to Liam McNally, of Whitehaven, who was presented with an outstanding achievement award.

Liam joined GEN II as an apprentice in 2003 on the old foundation modern apprenticeship scheme, and quickly progressed to the advanced modern apprenticeship scheme and won the GEN II electrical apprentice of the year 2004.

After securing a job at the end of his training, Liam progressed to team leader during which time he applied for a GEN II bursary to further his education.

After completing his BEng in electrical and instrumentation engineering with a credit in 2009, Liam is now on track to complete a first class honours degree and is currently employed as a technical support engineer with Sellafield Ltd.

Mike Smith, managing director of GEN II, said: “For all our learners, GEN II provides an opportunity to develop their skills for life; to work in teams, to interact and communicate at all levels, to self- develop and take on new skills, in other words become better employees, ready and able not only to make a worthwhile contribution to their employer’s business, but to the wider community as a whole.”

First published at 15:40, Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk