An apprentice at a leading firm of quantity surveyors who is retraining after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis has scooped a top award.
Michael Cardwell, of CQS Solutions, has been named Construction Apprentice of the Year at the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards.
Michael ran his own joinery and manufacturing business for 12 years before his diagnosis – but was determined to remain in the construction industry and is now undertaking a degree apprenticeship with CQS Solutions and Wrexham University.
At the same time Michael, of Montgomery, continues to serve as a retained crew manager in the fire service.
He said: “I am thrilled to bits to win this award. I cannot thank CQS Solutions enough for the opportunity to join their team and for the support both they and Wrexham University have given me with my studies.
“To be able to combine working on the job with my university work and learn so much from my colleagues at work has been a fantastic experience.”
Tim Lloyd, managing director of CQS Solutions, which has bases in Telford, Welshpool and Birmingham, said Michael’s award was thoroughly deserved.
“Michael has demonstrated exceptional determination throughout his apprenticeship. The change of careers required him to adapt to new systems, terminology and ways of thinking, all while balancing university study, work commitments and public service.
“He tackles challenges head-on, takes ownership of his development and consistently strives to improve. He deserves all the success he has worked so hard for.”
The awards also saw CQS Solutions Associate Director Richard Vickers shortlisted for Apprentice Mentor of the Year.
Tim added: “Both Michael and Richard’s success reflects the value we put on developing talent within the company. Richard has spent years shaping an apprenticeship culture that genuinely changes people’s futures and being shortlisted was a well‑deserved acknowledgement of the impact he’s had on so many careers.”
The competition was organised and delivered by the independent media team behind Shropshire Business Live TV, which filmed the event on October 8 for broadcast over the coming days.
This year’s event was backed by some of the county’s biggest names, led by headline sponsor Telford College and the Marches Careers Hub.
CQS Solutions, which significantly outperformed the industry by posting double-digit growth last year, has seen eight trainees progressing through the business in the past decade.
To find out more about CQS Solutions visit cqssolutions.co.uk
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