JCB apprentice Paul Howard wins regional comp

A JCB Transmissions apprentice has been crowned regional champion in the finals of the 1st Year Modern Apprenticeship Competition.

Paul Howard, who works at JCB's Wrexham factory, was awarded first place in the north and mid-Wales final of the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) competition for engineering and engineering manufacture.

Entrants were judged on all aspects of their work, including health and safety, worksheets, designs and technical drawings, engineering models and shop floor skills, and were interviewed by a panel of judges.

Over 40 apprentices, nominated by their employers and course tutors, competed for the title.

Howard will now compete for the EEF's 1st Year Modern Apprentice Overall Winner for Wales at the national final on February 19 at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, Powys.

He says it is fantastic to be recognised in this way. "It is great for me and great for JCB, too. When I was nominated for this I knew I would be up against some stiff competition, but I knew the range of skills I have learned would stand me in good stead."

"At the final, I will be making another presentation to the judges, showing them the full range of my work portfolio. I am really looking forward to the ceremony and will give it my best shot to be in contention for the national award."

The competition was established 58 years ago and is organised by the EEF - the manufacturers' organisation that represents almost 6,000 companies throughout the UK.