A CELEBRATION to recognise the efforts of Fife Council's apprenticeships has taken place.

The local authority's Environment and Building Services held its Apprentice of the Year Awards to celebrate its workers across Grounds Maintenance, Fleet Services and non-trade Modern Apprentices in Housing.

The event celebrates the excellence, application, dedication and endeavour of Council apprentices, covering all traditional construction, mechanical and horticultural apprenticeships as well as non-trade apprenticeships.

Service Manager, Ross Grieve said: “The council currently has 130 trade apprentices in multi-disciplines; and to be short-listed for these awards is a huge achievement.

"Our apprentice Programme is one that we are very proud of. It is always an honour to congratulate, and celebrate with, the award-winning future tradespeople each year.

"They have made extraordinary achievements this year in the organisation as well as achieving recognised external accolades in their respective industry."

Annabelle Latto-Downs was named Housing Services' Trainee Winner, Megan Ayling was Housing Services Modern Apprentice, the Fleet Services Winner was Ryan Ndogaj while Horticulturalist Hamish Tait was Grounds Maintenance Winner.

The first year award winner was electrician Reece Grieve, the second year prize was won by fellow electrician Oisin Knox, the third year accolade was claimed by Todd Arthur and stonemason Ruaridh Strachan was the fourth year winner.

The overall Apprenctice of the Year title was Todd Arthur.

Fife Council’s spokesperson for Housing and Building Services, Councillor Judy Hamilton, said they were proud to showcase and celebrate the apprentices' talent, commitment and determination.

“This sort of training gives them a fantastic start and life skills to help fulfil their potential, both in and out of the workplace," she said.

"These apprentices have already made a significant impact across Fife, already helping to deliver essential Council services, whilst developing their own skills.

"Our Apprenticeship Programme is widely-recognised as a leading Local Government Apprenticeship Programme in the UK. We are very proud that we remain committed to delivering apprenticeship opportunities and developing a skilled workforce of the future."