Kira secures top honour as Dodd Group honours apprentices

Out of Dodd Group’s 175 apprentices and adult trainees, Kira Lacey, 27 from Telford was awarded Apprentice of the Year for Dodd Group’s Major Projects Division. 

Archie Ingram-Ray picked up the Property Services award and James Sheldrick won the award for Defence and Utilities.

Kira’s  positive approach was highlighted in her nomination from her manager Richard Carpenter, who himself is a former Dodd Group apprentice.  

Richard said “Despite not having a background in Building Services, Kira went straight on to her HNC whereas most would complete a Level 3 qualification first; this was a steep learning curve for Kira, but one that she tackled with enthusiasm and confidence. 

"Kira is a key part of the Design Department, offering support to the wider team, particularly when it comes to the use of Revit and BIM procedures. 

"She is currently involved in the design process of our Shrewsbury Academy project where her involvement was praised by Tilbury Douglas’ Project Manager Dan Harmer.”

The competition was judged by a panel which included John Kavanagh, Dodd Group’s Managing Director. 

John said: “It is the likes of Kira that represent the future of our industry. The national skills shortage is well documented but we believe that by encouraging such pro-active people as Kira into the industry we can protect our business. 

"I also hope that Kira’s success can inspire other women to join our industry as we strive to attract, develop, and promote more women in our company. 

"She should be proud of her achievement as the standard of entries this year was particularly high and I look forward to monitoring her future progress”

Mark Davies, Regional Managing Director, presented the award to Kira. 

Mark added: “Kira’s progression has been exemplary and we are delighted with her academic progress as well as the positive impact that she has in the office. We now have several students working towards their HNC and it is great for them to have a role model like Kira to turn to for inspiration and advice”

The other winners were equally deserving, with 17-year-old Archie from Smethwick overcoming neuro divergence to win over clients, colleagues and training providers with his enthusiasm and passion to succeed and James, 22, from King’s Lynn impressing with his dedication at college where he achieve 99 per cent in his final exam and on site where his positive attitude in challenging environments was singled out.