| By :
Martin Hofschroer
An apprentice plumber was delighted when he received a top award in recognition of his emerging talent. The Burton Mail reported that Jason Dhesi from Hartshorne was commended at the East Midlands Apprentice of the Year awards after impressing judges with the skills he learned on plumbing courses. Former pop star and television presenter Michaela Strachan was on hand to give Mr Dhesi his prize at the event hosted in Derby College's Roundhouse campus. The 23-year-old apprentice said that he felt honoured to be selected for the award and praised the standard of his contemporaries. "It feels great to be recognised. All of the apprentices are doing well in their own fields and I felt proud just to be nominated," Jason told the newspaper. Jason's success came after he left his previous job as a retail branch manager at a clothing store and decided to take plumbing courses in order to forge a career in the plumbing industry. Burton Council employed Jason as an apprentice plumber in October 2008 while he studied for his City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2. Jason will aim to complete the Level 2 course in August before taking an advanced apprenticeship. The natural progression would be to take the City & Guilds NVQ level 3 which deals with more complex versions of issues tackled on the level 2 course. Level 3 learning includes processes such as water and drainage systems, gas supply systems, central heating wiring and radiator and boiler sizing. Mr Dhesi acknowledged the role of the council in helping him achieve his award as the apprenticeship gave him the opportunity to develop his practical skills in a proper work environment. He told the Mail: "Starting work at the council was the best thing that could have happened to me and I have enjoyed every minute. This is the icing on the cake. Everyone has been very supportive of me and my work from day one and I want to thank them for all of their help." John Lemmon, chairman of the authority's housing and community services committee, told the newspaper that he was proud of Jason's award as it vindicated the council's efforts in helping young people into employment. He said: "Jason is a highly valued and articulate member of our team and we are delighted that he has been given this honour. The council prides itself on supporting our young people, and the South Derbyshire community, via apprenticeship schemes." Over 21,800 people began an apprenticeship in the East Midlands in 2009, according to the Learning and Skills Council.
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