Lewis is a cut above

APPRENTICE joiner Lewis Cullen is celebrating after nailing one of the top accolades in homebuilder Redrow’s ‘Apprentice Excellence Awards’.

Lewis, 20, has been named Apprentice of the Year for the Chorley-based Lancashire division after excelling on sites across the region.

He was one of 24 apprentices recognised at the annual event for their dedication and enthusiasm for their chosen skill.

Lewis said: “I was overwhelmed with joy to get the award, not least because it is a recognition of my hard work and the pride I take when I am doing my job.

“I have been encouraged along the way by my parents, my contractors and Redrow, and it marks a big step forward in my plans to get on in life and do well.”

Training for his Level 2 NVQ in joinery, Lewis is now in his third year as an apprentice with Redrow. He joined the company at the age of 18.

Following in both his parents’ footsteps to get a trade – dad Daniel was a tiler and mum Angela studied joinery for two years – Lewis had always wanted to go into the construction industry.

“I did construction in secondary school and have always wanted to go into it since,” he explained. “I like working outdoors, I like the relationship with the lads on site and I enjoy my job, and that sense of achievement when you see something being created in front of you that you’ve played a big part in.”

Lewis has worked on several Redrow developments, more recently The Grange at Yew Tree Park, Burscough, Oak Leigh Gardens in Barrow, near Clitheroe, and Sanderling Park in Formby.  He works with contractor Bob Joyce of R J Joinery.

Lewis plans to get a few more years of experience under his belt before progressing, he hopes, onto the management ladder with Redrow.

Karen Jones, group HR director for Redrow, said: “It is wonderful to see apprentices doing well and going on to successful careers, and we are delighted to have played our part. But the praise goes to them and in particular those like Lewis who go above and beyond what it expected of them to ensure they do a great job.”

Redrow Lancashire’s Apprentice of the Year winner Lewis Cullen (centre) is pictured here with Redrow regional chief executive Chris Lilley (left) and former professional footballer Joe Thompson (right).