One of Ashfield District Council’s aspiring apprentices has been named Apprentice of the year at the coveted Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) East Midlands Awards 2018.

Ketan Pearce, a plumbing apprentice in the Council’s Repairs and Maintenance section, was chosen by a panel of expert judges as the best apprentice the region has to offer.

The judges commended his continuous positive attitude and commitment to his duties and were impressed by the fact that Ketan has already been picked out as a future mentor for other aspiring apprentices.

Ketan continues to grow and develop and is trusted to work on broad ranging (and often sensitive) projects such as properties used for the temporary accommodation of homeless people and for the victims of domestic violence.

Currently in his second year of his plumbing apprenticeship, Ketan has also recently passed his driving test to ensure that he is in the best position possible to apply for a permanent positon with the Organisation.

Being the winner of the regional category means that Ketan has been automatically entered for the national CIH Housing Heroes Awards selected in June.

Award winner Ketan Pearce said: “I am delighted to have been given this award. I never expected when I joined the organisation that I would be in this position. I attribute my success in winning this award to the support and training I have received from my colleagues. I enjoy my role and hope to have many happy years doing the job I love”

CIH Regional Manager Jill Allcoat said “Ketan’s determination and drive is evident, with his passion and enthusiasm shining through! It’s fantastic that he has been identified as a future mentor to other apprentices, this is clearly a great reflection of his attributes and the trust his organisation has in his abilities and potential, he is a true inspiration”

Ashfield District Council was also recently awarded ‘Landlord of the Year’ at the East Midlands Energy Efficiency Awards following major works to improve the energy efficiency of its housing portfolio. Over the past year, the authority has carried out improvement works to over 1000 properties, with over 250 homes receiving measures to reduce carbon emissions or improve thermal efficiency.

Councillor John Wilmott, Cabinet Member for Social and Council Housing, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Ketan and for the Repairs and Maintenance team. The recent external recognition that the Housing teams have received is testament to the fantastic service the Council are providing for our residents and tenants.

“We wish Ketan the best of luck at the national finals in June.”

Photo L-R: Paul Parkinson (Director of Housing and Assets), Jill Allcoat (CIH Regional Manager), Ketan Pearce (Apprentice of the Year), Cllr John Wilmott (Cabinet Member for Social and Council Housing), Emma Lindley (CIH East Midlands Chair).