An apprentice bricklayer from Birsay has won a prestigious award with his company Morrison Construction.

Jamie Bruce, 19, was named the annual Apprentice of the Year and was presented with a cheque and an engraved trophy at a recent ceremony at Orkney college UHI. More than 30 of his colleagues throughout Scotland were also in the running for the title. The awards are where Morrison recognises the contribution of all its young employees and their importance to the future of the business.

Mr Bruce joined Morrison's craft apprentice programme almost three years ago after leaving school. He has previously assisted in the construction of both the Pickaquoy Centre extension and the Kirkwall Grammar School, and is now based on the new Endoscopy Ward project at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. He has one more year of the current apprentice programme to complete.

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Michael Riddell, Curriculum Leader (Construction) at Orkney College UHI, said: "It comes as no surprise that Jamie has received this award – he is a very confident, hardworking and reliable apprentice with excellent health and safety awareness and has always shown commitment to developing essential practical skills throughout his three years at Orkney College UHI."

Orkney Islands Council's Chair of Education Leisure and Housing Committee, Janice Annal, added: "The Council was very keen when setting up the Schools Investment Programme to make sure that there were opportunities for local apprenticeships to be generated. So it's gratifying that we now have a young apprentice, taken on by Morrison Construction, getting the highest form of recognition from the company for the good work he's carried out."

Morrison Construction's Regional Director Donald McLachlan, commented: "We truly believe that award schemes give trainees an added incentive to succeed. We make a huge investment in training. These young people are the future of our business and when you have worked with a trainee from the start and see them coming into their own, it is very rewarding.

"Jamie's achievements prove that our continued investment in training is extremely valuable and worthwhile."

(JP/IT)