Apprentice carpenter Sian Noke, and apprentice bricklayer Yvonne Irwin have taken the top prizes at prestigious national training awards organised by Lovell.

Sian, 26, from Maesteg, Glamorgan, South Wales, was chosen as the Lovell Apprentice of the Year from more than 100 apprentices working for the company in England, Scotland and Wales.

Yvonne, 19, from Derby was named as the company's Personal Achiever of the Year.

Apprentice of the Year Sian joined Lovell in 2005. "Sian is a star," said Operations Manager Lee Woodfine who nominated her. "She has made remarkable progress and her training portfolio is used as an example of best practice. Her work is of a consistently excellent standard and she displays a tremendous appetite for learning new skills."

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With the support of Lovell, Sian has gained NVQ Level 2 qualifications in Carpentry and Maintenance Operations and is now working towards her NVQ Level 3 qualification in Carpentry. Sian also represents Lovell as a Construction Ambassador visiting schools to promote career opportunities in construction.

Yvonne Irwin, winner of the Lovell Personal Achiever of the Year title, joined Lovell at the start of 2007. After completing her NVQ Level 2 qualification in brickwork with the company's backing, she is now working towards the NVQ Level 3 qualification. "Yvonne has shown outstanding dedication," said Lovell Site Manager Darren Peck. "She is prompt, enthusiastic and hard-working."

Sian and Yvonne were presented with their awards at a special awards ceremony held at Kingsbury in Warwickshire.

(CD)