Family firm John Williams Heating Services is celebrating after taking home two awards at the Wiltshire College and University Centre (WCUC) Apprenticeship Awards 2024 – a tribute to the company’s continued commitment to apprentices.
The firm, based on the Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate in Chippenham, was awarded Small Apprentice Employer of the Year and its apprentice Joshua Lamb was named Gas Engineer Apprentice of the Year.
Debbie Williams, who co-founded the business with her husband John 20 years ago, said, “We’re so thrilled and humbled to be acknowledged in this way. We believe strongly in the importance and value of apprenticeships. John started as an apprentice as a teenager and we know what a difference a good, solid apprenticeship can make. To receive these two awards is a real honour.
“Apprenticeships are a brilliant choice for young people who want to get out into work and learn useful skills,” said Debbie. “We’re so pleased that this real-world value is being recognised with awards such as these.”
More than 120 guests attended the WCUC Apprenticeship Awards 2024 and the winners received their honours from Iain Hatt, the Principal and Chief Executive of Wiltshire College & University Centre and Ruth Lambert, who is Development Manager for Somerset and Wiltshire at the Federation of Small Businesses.
Joshua said, “It’s really exciting to have been given such an honour. It’s brilliant doing my apprenticeship through John and Debbie as they are so supportive and encouraging and I feel like I’ve learned a lot from them both. I absolutely love what I do but never imagined I would win any awards! It’s an incredible privilege and I honestly couldn’t be happier.”
He continued, “The structure of an apprenticeship really appealed to me as I am a practical person and have always been a hard worker. I get a lot of satisfaction from doing a good job for each customer we help and it’s rewarding to know our skills and knowledge make a difference.”
Debbie added, “We have recently employed our 20th apprentice and we love seeing them learn, do well, and go on to be great at their jobs. I’m proud of Josh and all of our apprentices and would encourage any young person to consider this as a fantastic route to a rewarding career.”
The awards were held at The Civic Centre in Trowbridge on Thursday 22nd February 2024.
John Williams Heating Services Ltd is Gas Safe registered, a member of OFTEC (the trade association monitoring best practice in oil heating installation and repair) and a Worcester-accredited installer.
Pictured above: Debbie, John Williams and Georgina Williams with one of their awards. They are pictured with Iain Hatt Principal (left) and Chief Executive at Wiltshire College and University Centre and Ruth Lambert, (right) Development manager for Somerset and Wiltshire FSB
