Apprentice wins new award

Trainee merchant apprentice Dean Atkinson has beaten apprentices from all over the UK to scoop a prestigious new award from the Institute of Builders Merchants.

The award recognises excellence among those enrolled on the BMF Apprenticeship Scheme. Dean, who works at Naylor-Myers Building Supplies Ltd in Yorkshire, won for his outstanding achievements and ‘can do’ attitude.

He was presented with his trophy and a cash prize of £500 at this year’s BMF Members Day, which was held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

In addition, a further £1,000 scholarship fund was awarded to his employer Naylor-Myers Building Supplies Ltd, and will be used to pay for further training and course fees, as Dean begins the BMF Diploma in Merchanting.

Branch manager Martyn Mongon said: “I initially decided to take Dean on as a summer temp working in the yard, but soon recognised his potential. I wanted to encourage and support him to develop a career in merchanting so I enrolled him on the BMF Apprenticeship Scheme, which gave him a formal structured training programme.

“Using his newly gained product and customer knowledge he has helped me to set up a bathroom showroom at the branch and is now running it single handed.”

BMF managing director Chris Pateman said: “Dean has all the qualities we want to see in all merchants’ apprentices, including a commitment to his employer, along with an interest and determination to continue to learn. The merchant industry’s future will be assured through the development of young people such as Dean.”