News
Thursday 17th March 2022

We celebrate college award for 'outstanding' apprentice in Didcot

A Didcot construction apprentice has been recognised for his hard work both on site and in the classroom during a college awards ceremony

TWOX_Abingdon and Witney College_hero

We support apprentices

Taylor Wimpey Oxfordshire, which works with the college to provide its apprenticeship programme, has helped students to learn their trade by donating materials from nearby sites to the college workshop.

Sam Ricketts, who is carrying out his Level 3 carpentry and joinery apprenticeship at the Great Western Park development, won the Apprenticeship Outstanding Performance Award at the 2021 Abingdon and Witney College Student of the Year awards.

TWOX_Abingdon and Witney College_secondary

Sam was nominated for the award by his faculty, and his achievements also gained him second place in the overall Student of the Year award, chosen from more than 14,000 students.

Mark French, Head of the Bicester Construction Skills Centre, said: “Sam is an absolutely outstanding carpentry and joinery apprentice. His practical work is of the very highest quality and he carries out tasks to an exceptionally high standard. He is a worthy recipient of the Apprenticeship Outstanding Performance Award.

Sam Ricketts said: “I would like to thank Taylor Wimpey for employing me three years ago. I truly appreciate the help and the time that a large number of people have spent on me during this time, in particular Ross Graves, Simon Cook, Mark French and Rob Lasslett. I’ve enjoyed my apprenticeship, learned lots, and have developed new skills to take with me into the future.”

Simon Cook, Production Director at Taylor Wimpey Oxfordshire, added: “Sam has only been with us for a short while but has quickly demonstrated a great attitude and a fantastic aptitude for his chosen career.

“It's fitting that he won the Apprenticeship Outstanding Performance Award for his efforts. We are all delighted for him and look forward to continuing our relationship with the college.”

To find out more about an apprenticeship with Taylor Wimpey click here.