THE top apprentices at a Bradford social housing landlord were recognised at an awards event in the city.

Incommunities’ Apprentice of the Year awards celebrated the hard work and contribution made by its construction trainees.

In a ceremony at the Bradford Hotel, Jordan Kitching, of Eccleshill, scooped the overall top prize of Apprentice of the Year.

The 20-year-old apprentice plasterer won the overall prize after success in the Main Trades category, which was one of four categories on the night.

Elizabeth Wilson won the Plumbing award, while Jai Kay and Antonio Robinson were joint-winners in the Electrical category.

There was also the Graham Watson Special Achievement Award, won by Rosanne Heaton. The award, created in memory of a former Incommunities worker who died in 2009, is given to a former apprentice who is now fully-qualified operative.

Jordan said: “I’m overwhelmed at winning this award.

“The apprentice programme has given me the opportunity to prove what I’m capable of, learn new skills and grow as a person.

“My mentor, Andy Delahaye has taught me so much and along with my trades colleagues has been brilliant.

“I’m so grateful to Incommunities who have set me on the road to what I hope will be an exciting and rewarding career.”

Tony Thompson, Incommunities’ Construction Skills Training Manager, who manages the group’s apprenticeship programme said: “We are delighted for Jordan. His performance has been exceptional since day one.

“He sets very high standards for himself and is always looking at ways to improve his skills and make a positive contribution as a valued team player.”

The awards were voted on by fellow trades people, managers and staff.

Comments supporting Jordan included: “Jordan is a perfect role model for other apprentices – hard working, self-motivated and very much a team player.”

Jordan joined Incommunities in 2014 and will complete his apprenticeship in August. He received his prize from Incommunities’ chief executive Geraldine Howley.

She said: “These awards provide a wonderful showcase of the excellent work and contribution shown by our apprentices.

“I would like to congratulate all our award winners, those commended and those apprentices that were nominated. They can be rightly proud of their achievements and the fantastic contribution they make to our apprenticeship programme.”

Jez Lester, of Incommunities, said: “These awards recognise the commitment, skills, aptitude and team work shown by our apprentices in their work and as part of their training. We are committed to investing in talented local people and behind their success stories is a highly professional group of managers, trades people and staff who invest their time in nurturing their potential. I would like to thank each one of them for their important contribution.”