We’re excited to announce that one of our talented apprentices has once again been shortlisted for a prestigious local award.

Joinery Apprentice Rhys has been shortlisted for Apprentice/Young Achiever of the Year 2023 at the Halton Business Awards.

The finalist for Young Person/Apprentice of the Year are now live! Congratulations to:
- Hannah Ward - Emovis Operations - Merseyflow Project
- Jade Oakes - Sodecor Decorators
- Katie Marsden - Aqueous Digital
- Matthew Healey - Signum Solutions
- Rhys Gwilym - Halton Housing pic.twitter.com/Be07axvXQL

— Halton Chamber of Commerce (@HaltonChamber) April 21, 2023

Rhys joined Halton Housing as an apprentice back in Sept 2020 and is a committed and hardworking member of the Voids team, preparing our vacant homes to reach a safe, clean standard ready for the new customers to move in to. This includes any joinery repairs from pre-inspection, and duties can range from rehanging a door, to a full kitchen fit.  Always willing to get stuck in, Rhys also featured in a series of ‘UCanFix’ DIY videos for customers.

Kieran Quinn, Halton Housing’s Voids Manager says of Rhys, “Rhys has been a fantastic asset to the voids team, as he is more than capable of completing any joinery works thrown his way. He has a great can-do attitude with no job being too big nor too small, now being a vital voids team member. Rhys' work ethic and high standards speak volumes, taking pride in each task he may face. He has a great personality and is very easy to get on with – a great team player, and one of the best apprentices I feel we have ever had at Halton Housing in my 15 years here.”

Rhys’ mentor and nominee for this award, Gary Dayus adds, “Rhys is a pleasure to mentor. No MT (maintenance technician) on the voids has a bad word to say about him. He’s flexible and adaptable and just gets on with the job, taking every opportunity he can to learn and develop in his joinery career. He has a really bright future ahead of him.”

The Halton Business Awards, organised by Halton Chamber of Commerce, have been an annual event since 2008 celebrating the best businesses in the borough.

We’re hoping to make it two years in a row for winning the award. Last year, our Health and Safety Team’s Business Administration Apprentice Olivia scooped the award. She has now gone onto secure a permanent role as a Trainee Health and Safety Officer.

The Halton Business Awards will see several local businesses competing across 10 different categories at a prestigious gala dinner at the DCBL Stadium on 16th June 2023.

We are also sponsoring the ‘Commitment to the Community Award’ at the awards. The Commitment to the Community Award aims to recognise companies in Halton that are trying to make a difference, bring prosperity to the area and do good in the community.

Congratulations and well done to all the apprentices shortlisted.

Everyone here at Halton Housing has their fingers crossed for Rhys wishes them the very best of luck.

Find out more about our apprentices and apprenticeships at Halton Housing.