An 18 year-old carpentry apprentice who was unemployed a year ago has scooped a top accolade after being named Apprentice of the Year by the Stourbridge-based Western region of Mansell Construction Services.
Shane Rogers, from Tipton, was given the award after working on several major Mansell projects across the region. Mansell took Shane on contract via Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s “Future Skills Sandwell” scheme which aims to find work or training for unemployed youngsters in the region.
Shane impressed his managers with his skills and was subsequently nominated for the award. While on contract to Mansell he has worked on a number of projects including a sheltered housing scheme in Sandwell and a new-build housing scheme in West Bromwich for housing and care organisation Midlands Heart.
He was presented with his award by site manager Barry Aris and Ed Cox from Future Skills Sandwell.
Mansell regional managing director, Steve Davies, said, “Mansell puts a lot of effort into supporting and encouraging youngsters to learn construction skills. We believe it is vital to ensure that these key skills are maintained, and that young people see construction as a career of choice.”
He added, “We took Shane on a fixed term contract through the excellent Future Skills Sandwell scheme and he has proved an able apprentice and a good ambassador for the industry.”