APSE has announced the finalists of its building and housing apprentice of the year awards.

The awards recognise apprentices and employing local authorities who have shown a commitment to developing apprenticeships and building skills within Scotland.

Commenting on the awards APSE Chief Executive Paul O’Brien said: "During the economic downturn investing in skills and apprenticeships is an effective way to help boost local economies and the future employability of young people. It is a credit to the councils involved in these awards that they have demonstrated a commitment to apprenticeships."

The Fife Council finalists are 1st Year Apprentice Jamie Gardner and 2nd Year Apprentice - John Deacon.

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Ambassador for Youth Employment Councillor Tony Martin commented: "These apprentices have shown a commitment to learning practical skills, undertaking their college work and showing aptitude and dedication to their work in order to make it to the finals and are truly deserving of this recognition. I fully support Jamie and John and wish them the very best with their nominations."

Alan Hill, Service Manager Maintenance said: "At Fife Council we pride ourselves on the quality of our apprentices and Jamie and John are up there with the very best. They are both model apprentices in terms of commitment, enthusiasm and achievement. We fully support their nominations and wish them every success."

1st Year Apprentice nominee Jamie Gardner from Cowdenbeath said: "I felt very proud when I won Fife Council’s 1st Year Apprentice of the Year, so to be nominated for the APSE 1st Year Apprentice of the Year is fantastic."

2nd Year Apprentice nominee, John Deacon from Kirkcaldy said: "It’s an honour to be nominated in these awards and I think it’s great that apprentices are recognised and rewarded for their efforts in this way."

The awards will be held during the APSE Scotland Building & Housing Seminar at the Peebles Hydro, with the winners announced on 21 February 2013.

(IT)