Plumbing student Scott Ramm (22) has won the 'Heating and Plumbing Services Group Trainee of the Year Award 2013' from the Building & Engineering Services Association (B&ES).

Ramm, who is studying for an NVQ Diploma in Plumbing & Heating at Barking & Dagenham College - part of the Gazelle Colleges Group - was nominated for the award for his hard work and dedication. “I wasn’t told I was even entered until a week or two before I won,” he explained.

Ramm joined the college as a full-time plumbing student after finishing school, and subsequently secured an apprenticeship with JS Wright.

He received his award along with a cheque for £250 at a special ceremony held at Trinity House, Tower Hill, London. This followed his being awarded the JS Wright Apprentice of the Year 2012 and the Building Engineering Services Training (BEST) London and Southern Regions Apprentice of the Year.

“Scott has always been very keen to do well and is an inspiration to all our staff,” said Paul Millington, contracts support manager at JS Wright. “Whatever task we give Scott, he performs it well. He is heavily involved in the JS Wright Academy, helping new apprentices settle in, often gives toolbox talks to other operatives on site and is always eager to learn. He has the kind of potential that will ultimately raise him to the role of site foreman in time.”

Of his next steps, Ramm said: “I’ve just finished the college side of things, and now have to finish off the portfolio side, which is getting assessors down on site to watch me do the work and sign off. I think my company has mentioned about possibly introducing me to air conditioning as well, making me multi-trade as the company expands into different areas.

“A lot of people are eager to get to that position – even getting an apprenticeship, really. It took me nearly a year to get mine. I eventually got it through BEST, which was a pretty quick process in itself after previous long-winded applications. Within a month they put me in contact with JS Wright and the following week I had a trial. I think it’s about getting on the ladder to begin with.”