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Posted on April 7, 2015

Burnley joiner named ‘Apprentice of the Year’

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A dedicated joiner from Burnley has been named ‘Shared Apprentice of the Year’ at a recent awards ceremony held by contractors Forrest.

Forrest’s Apprenticeship Awards, during National Apprenticeship Week, are held annually to celebrate apprentices’ outstanding achievements and the essential work they carry out.

George Birbeck, 19, was hired through the joint apprenticeship scheme Constructing the Future in September 2014, and started working on refurbishment work with Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction – a joint venture organisation with the Calico Group and Forrest.

Throughout his apprenticeship, George has demonstrated great maturity and professionalism, and has the potential to have a very successful career in the construction sector.

George is also one of a number of staff across the Calico Group who will be travelling to Uganda in April as part of the One Brick at a Time initiative, helping to improve and renovate educational and health centres in the area.

George said:

“This was completely unexpected. I went to the awards last year and didn’t win anything so, when they called my name, I felt really proud – it’s quite an achievement to win something like this.

“My biggest achievement would probably be the work I did on the kitchens at Calico’s Elizabeth Street Project homeless shelter. It was really great to do work on something for people who have nowhere else to live.

“Once I complete my apprenticeship, I hope to do the work that I’m doing now abroad – it would be a good opportunity to learn new things.”

Mark Cutler, Ring Stones’ managing director, said:

“We’re delighted to see George receive such a prestigious accolade. Since he started with us last year, he has been completely dedicated and willing to work hard.

“He truly deserves this award – he has a bright future ahead of him, and I’m looking forward to seeing him realise his true potential.”

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction undertakes maintenance and house building contracts on a commercial basis for a variety of clients across the North West.

Constructing the Future is a Calico initiative which aims to create high-quality employment opportunities for local people.