18 April 2016

Costain celebrated National Apprenticeship Week with a strong showing in the Crossrail 2016 Apprentice Awards.

The top prize of Apprentice of the Year went to Charley Whitelock, Apprentice Community Relations Officer at ATC (the Alstom, TSO and Costain joint venture) who also won the title of Higher Business Apprentice. Charley, who has just completed her NVQ Level 4 Framework, was hailed as an ‘unstoppable and inspirational’ apprentice, who was the driving force behind a partnership with the Prince’s Trust and JobCentre Plus that gave a group of people aged between 18 and 25 and not in employment, education or training (NEET) the opportunity to work on the project. Colleagues praised Charley for her energy, determination and “ability to inspire others for the better”.

Said Charley: “It’s such a surprise to have won but I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved and it’s great to be recognised by my colleagues. I started an apprenticeship when I was 17 as it was a great opportunity to work and earn money while I learned, and I’ll finish with amazing experience at Crossrail on my CV. I’d encourage anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship to go for it, it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Also recognised were Richard Plant, CSJV Apprentice Trainee Engineer, who was Highly Commended in the Advanced Apprentice Infrastructure award, and Daniel Ryall CSJV Apprentice Trainee Engineer, who was Commended in the Higher Business Apprentice category. Joe Kemm, ATC Operations Director at C610, was commended in the Advocate/Leader category. Rajeev Chavda, an apprentice working for BMSL, a contractor engaged by ATC, won the Advanced Infrastructure Apprentice award.

ATC also won the Outstanding Tier 1 Contractor award for its commitment to apprenticeships. The joint venture was praised for involving its supply chain and providing quality apprenticeships at all levels. CSJV Paddington supplier Kilnbridge, an east London engineering firm, gained Outstanding Supply Chain Employer for creating 14 apprentices, almost five times more than originally pledged.

Commented Lee Davies, Costain Operations Director: “Congratulations to all our winners and the teams that took the time to recommend them. It’s a great day for ATC, CSJV and Costain.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony at Glaziers Hall, London Bridge, Terry Morgan, Crossrail Chairman, said: “Crossrail is much more than a railway; it is about giving young people the skills to deliver this project, and helping them build wonderful careers delivering the projects of the future. I’d like to congratulate all the winners of the awards; without their commitment and enthusiasm this would not be possible.”

Ends

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