Award Success for Apprentice Jake
One of our 2016 Metal Shop apprentices, Jake Braithwaite, was awarded his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award earlier this month. The long-awaited ceremony was held at St James’s Palace and hosted by The Earl of Wessex and BBC Strictly’s, Len Goodman.
Jake began the bronze award with his youth club when he was 13 and worked through to the gold award, finishing when he was 18, just before he began his apprenticeship with us.
Jake’s mother Anne gave us more details: ”He completed lots of volunteering activities over the years: from varnishing the riverside benches for the council, outdoor work with The Conservation Volunteers TCV and teaching campcraft to younger participants with disabilities. He was also a member of York Youth Council as a representative for his club.”
”Apparently, he’s the only participant in the region to complete two gold final expeditions (getting soaked through on each!) as he did one with the York College group (in the Dales) as well as with his youth club (along Hadrian’s Wall). He got to speak to Prince Edward at the palace presentation – he was interested in talking to people who had completed the award outside of a school setting. We also found out from Len Goodman that he started out as a welder on the docks before getting into dance!”
We love the chance to celebrate the achievements of our staff outside the world of Stage One. The immoveable deadlines and unique nature of our projects demand long hours, an unfailing commitment to teamwork and the ability to adapt. Sounds like Jake’s DofE experiences will stand him in excellent stead!