South Tyneside workman invited to join national advisory group

A former award-winning apprentice working in South Tyneside has been personally invited to join a prestigious national advisory group.

Scott Gray, 21, who works for South Tyneside Homes’ Property Services Team, has been asked to become a member of the National Apprenticeship Services’ Young Ambassadors Network.

The network is made up of 20 talented, current and former apprentices. They have been specially chosen to provide advice to the National Apprenticeship Scheme about how they deliver their services and communicate with current and future apprentices.

The NAS is responsible for the delivery of apprenticeships throughout England and reports to the Departments for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Education (DfE).

Gray, from Hebburn, completed his apprenticeship with South Tyneside Homes earlier this year, achieving an NVQ Level 3 in Joinery.

During his four-years of training, he became recognised on a national level as an exceptional apprentice. In 2009, he was runner up at the Association Public Service Excellence (APSE) local authority apprentice and trainee awards.

He also won the Aaron Todd Memorial Award from South Tyneside Homes earlier this year, and in April he was highly commended in the Apprentice of the Year category at the North East Celebration of Learning and Skills Success (CLASS) Awards 2010.

Scott Gray said: “It’s an honour to be chosen for the Young Ambassadors Network and I am looking forward to working with the National Apprentice Service to give advice to future apprentices. I have learnt a lot during my apprenticeship through the mentors I have worked with and I hope to be able to pass on my experiences through the network.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to have an input into the apprentice scheme and to feel I can put something back. I’m looking forward to the new challenges.”

Over the past five years, South Tyneside Homes has trained more than 65 apprentices. Earlier this year, the company was also recognised as the Large Apprentice Employer of the Year at the annual North East CLASS Awards 2010.

Gary Kirsop, head of property services at South Tyneside Homes, said: “Scott has worked exceptionally hard during his apprenticeship with South Tyneside Homes, and we are very proud of his achievements. I am sure he will make an excellent ambassador for the National Apprenticeship Service and will be able to provide advice and support for other young people.”