Apprentice joiner wins top award in Tameside

A young apprentice joiner from local housing provider Jigsaw Homes Group has been recognised for her outstanding progress after winning a special award at this year’s Train Tameside 500 Awards.

Olivia Williams scooped a coveted ‘Highly Commended’ accolade at the ceremony, held at Dukinfield Town Hall, celebrating the achievements of apprentices and employers across the borough.

Now in the second year of her joinery apprenticeship, Olivia began her training in September 2024 and is studying towards her carpentry and joinery qualification at Tameside College. Her rapid development and commitment to her trade impressed judges and tutors alike.

She was nominated by Liam McNamara, QA Assessor at Tameside College, who praised her dedication to both her studies and her employer.

He said: “Olivia has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both the college and her employer, Jigsaw Homes. She has a positive can-do attitude and always strives to complete her tasks to the best of her ability. Her hard work, professionalism, and proactive approach make her highly deserving of this award.”

Olivia’s success comes as organisations across the region mark National Apprenticeship Week, shining a spotlight on the achievements of apprentices and the vital contribution they make to local workplaces and communities.

Train Tameside 500 is a flagship apprenticeship and skills-development initiative delivered by Tameside College in partnership with Tameside Council. The programme works closely with employers and education providers to create apprenticeship opportunities in priority sectors, support businesses with recruitment and training, and help tackle skills shortages across the borough.

Throughout her apprenticeship, Olivia has been supported by her work mentor, joiner Kieron Lee, gaining valuable hands-on experience on site and building confidence in her trade.

Speaking about her award win, Olivia said: “Winning this award makes me feel incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in my carpentry and joinery journey – and to know that all the hard work and effort I’ve put into developing my skills has been recognised.

“Working for Jigsaw Homes has played a big part in this and I’ve felt really well supported throughout my apprenticeship. I really enjoy being part of a team and I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in my trade with the help and guidance of my mentor Kieron. This award has motivated me even more to continue improving and to take pride in the work I do for Jigsaw Homes and its customers.”

Tamla Etchells, Olivia’s manager at Jigsaw Homes Group, added: “Olivia is an exemplary member of the team. She conducts herself with positivity and genuine enthusiasm and demonstrates a strong work ethic. Her growth over the past year developing her skills has been fantastic to see and the positive contribution to her work is evident. We are pleased to recognise the valuable role she plays within Jigsaw.”

Due to her hard work and dedication, Olivia is now on track to complete her end-point assessment at the end of March, four months earlier than originally expected, a further testament to her determination and the strength of apprenticeship pathways in Tameside.