Two apprentices at Jones Bros, Ruthin, are celebrating winning training awards. Ian Cadd, 18, an apprentice civil engineer, has been named technician of the year at the UK construction industry college at Bircham Newton, East Anglia. And Matthew Dawson, 21, an apprentice plant maintenance engineer, has been named trainee of the year on his course at Reaseheath College, Nantwich. Theirs are the latest achievements by apprentices at the firm, which, with a workforce of 240, is the biggest employer in Ruthin.

They are among a record total of 24 apprentices currently learning their trade at the family-owned firm. Ian, who lives in Prestatyn and went to Prestatyn High School, joined Jones Bros at the age of 17.

Membership of the Young Archeologists’ Club, with which Ian visited historically and architecturally-interesting buildings across North Wales, prompted an interest in the construction of buildings.

He has just finished his first year of a two-year BTec in civil engineering. Completion of this apprenticeship will also enable him to achieve an NVQ in the subject. He is currently undergoing work experience on a variety of sites where Jones Bros has contracts.

Ian said: “I was surprised to win the award. I’m looking forward to the next year of my apprenticeship.”

Matthew has just completed the second year of NVQ level 2 in plant maintenance at Reaseheath College. He was named top trainee out of 45 apprentices from firms across the region. A former pupil at Mold Alun School who lives in Nannerch, Matthew had always been interested in car mechanics and chose plant maintenance as a trade because of the different kinds of engines it will enable him to work on.

His apprenticeship comprises block release at college followed by periods with the Jones Bros plant maintenance team, attending to plant as required on various company sites.

He said: “I was pleased to get the award. I’m looking forward to becoming fully qualified and working on our different sites.”

Jones Bros training manager Ken Jones said: “I congratulate Ian and Matthew on their awards. Both are hard workers who are showing good promise as they progress in their careers.”
The company recruits school-leavers annually for recognised apprenticeships in disciplines including civil engineering, heavy equipment mechanics and earth moving operations.
Jones Bros carries out contracts around the UK on projects varying from highways to business parks infrastructure, wind farms and sea defences, quarrying and marine developments.