Wedmore electrical apprentice Mark Tilbee, 22, was chosen from 10,000 competitors to win third place at JTL’s National Awards Ceremony which celebrates the achievements of apprentices from across England and Wales.

The newly qualified electrician, who works for Somerset based Pulse Services Ltd, represented the South West at the Tower of London on Wednesday, 18 February 2009. Mark was up against nine other regional finalists to win third place with a cash prize amounting to £1,000 and a plaque.

Mark Tilbee commented: “I was amazed when I won the South West Region Best Apprentice Award and it was a great feeling to be put forward for the national title. I never imagined that I would get this far, especially competing against so many great guys and girls. I can’t thank enough my JTL mentor, Pete Thomas and employer,Pulse Services Ltd as well as all the staff at P&R Hurt who have helped me gain the necessary skills and experience. They’ve inspired and encouraged me to recognisewhat I can achieve as an electrician.”

Pulse Services Ltd’s Director, David Prout, adds: “Mark has done really well and we are proud of him at Pulse Services Ltd. It’s great to see a young person grow into a really accomplished craftsperson and have his hard work and commitment to both Pulse Services and his apprenticeship recognised."

“As a company we fully support apprenticeships and have benefited from working with JTL in finding and developing capable, solid apprentices with enthusiasm. If I could say anything, it would be to encourage more companies to take on apprentices as they are the future of the industry and in my experience have really helped us grow our business.”

Mark’s proud parents, John and Debbie Tilbee, said: “It’s a great achievement to be at the national awards and we’re delighted with Mark’s success. He has worked very hard and been determined to complete his training to the highest standards. His perseverance has paid off and now has a prosperous career ahead of him thanks to the right training with JTL and employer.”

JTL’s Chief Executive, Denis Hird, says: “As the leading training provider in the building services engineering sector we take great pleasure in seeing our apprentices achieving at the highest levels. However, we recognisethat our apprentices’ achievements would not be possible without the employers in England and Wales that work with us to train and support them. Their ongoing commitment and encouragement, along with that of JTL’s Training Officers is crucial both to the success of our apprentices and to JTL."

For more information: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/About-Us/Apprenticeships-Week.aspx