Roofing apprentice Michael Brady has been named as best in his class by his college tutors and employer partner Cupa Pizarras.
Michael, who is training for his apprenticeship with local roofing specialist N.T Sweeting, was handed the trophy by Programme Leader Alan Bessford and blagged a trip to Spain as part of his prize.
“Michael has worked very hard in the first year of his Roof Slating and Tiling apprenticeship,” said Alan. “He has a great attitude and work ethic and he definitely deserves to be our Apprentice of the Year.”
The competition was sponsored by Cupa Pizarras, the world leader in natural slate and a longstanding partner of the College.
Michael, along with Alan and fellow apprentices Jack Hall and Bailey Morton, travelled to Pontefreda in Northern Spain in June, to visit the famous Cupa Pizarras quarries - the biggest tectonic natural slate reserves in the world – and see first-hand where and how slate is excavated and manufactured.
After winning, Michael commented: “I’m absolutely shocked, yet over the moon to receive this. I really didn’t expect it, as there are so many other talented apprentices on the course.
“I felt honoured to be selected as one of three learners to travel to Spain and visit Cupa Pizarras, but to named Apprentice of the Year on top of that really shows that Alan has confidence in me.
“I intend to work really hard to get my qualification and I’m looking forward to a career in the roofing industry.”