Gavin Jeffrey, a third year apprentice electrician with BAE Systems scoops Modern Apprentice of the Year Title : Trades House of Glasgow

Gavin Jeffrey, a third year apprentice electrician with BAE Systems, has scooped the Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice of the Year title, picking up his award from HRH The Princess Royal at a celebration awards dinner in the Trades Hall last night (Wed 5 March 08).

The 20-year-old from Helensburgh was one of six finalists to receive their awards from The Princess Royal. Gavin was presented with an inscribed cup - which will remain on display in the Trades Hall - an inscribed replica, a cash prize of £500 for further study and a certificate.

Two runners up, apprentice joiner Mark Lynch (20) and apprentice wood machinist Stephen Millar (20) of City Building (Glasgow) LLP, were each awarded £250 and a certificate, with the three remaining finalists receiving a certificate of commendation. They are apprentice draughtsman Lauren Beck (22) of BAE Systems, apprentice painter and decorator Finlay Leith (21) of City Building (Glasgow) LLP, and Simita Kumar (20) who took up her administration apprenticeship with Glasgow City Council – Credit Union, before transferring to Anderson Strathern Solicitors.

Commenting on the awards and dinner, Ian Dunsmore, Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow said: “Our warm congratulations go to Gavin and each of the finalists, whose commitment and capability in furthering their careers through the modern apprenticeship route have been recognised by our awards initiative.

“We were delighted that HRH The Princess Royal accepted our invitation to present these awards, particularly as she has always shown a keen interest in the development of skills amongst young people. Her presence at the dinner has not only delighted our award winning young adults, it has also helped reinforce the status of modern apprenticeships in the workplace today.”

Now in its second year, the Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice of the Year Award highlights the vocational and personal benefits modern apprenticeships provide. The Trades House, which first promoted apprenticeships centuries ago, is using the initiative to reinvigorate its efforts in raising the profile of traditional trades alongside more modern skills, especially at a time when Scotland badly needs more skilled men and women.

The Trades House of Glasgow Modern Apprentice of the Year Award 2008 is being supported by Lloyds TSB Scotland PLC, Scottish Enterprise and Glasgow City Council. It was open to those working towards a Scottish Modern Apprenticeship, or who have been certificated no earlier than 1 April 2007, employed by any small, medium or large employer in the Glasgow post code area.