A DEDICATED young trainee has picked up one of the top honours in Wrexham Council’s annual recognition of achievement event.
Joanne Forster, 20, who works in the council’s finance and performance department, was named as the authority’s modern apprentice of the year at the ceremony held in the Memorial Hall.
Educated at the Maelor School in Penley, she joined the modern apprentice programme in September 2009 and is currently undertaking an NVQ level 2 in business and administration at Wrexham ITeC.
Debtors manager Deborah Van Failer, who nominated her, said: “Joanne showed initiative from the outset, wanting to know how systems worked – not just the tasks she was involved in but the whole picture.
“She is confident, a quick learner and completely reliable. She instantly fitted in within the team and is a pleasure to work with.”
Kate Edwards, who works in the audit section of the finance and performance department, and Christopher Carroll from the tourism section of the economic development department were joint runners-up, while Kenneth Richards from the community safety team of economic development was highly commended.
The awards event, which is in now in its 11th year, celebrates the learning achievements of all staff at the council.
More than 100 of them collected their certificates from the mayor, Cllr Jim Kelly, for various qualifications gained over the past year.
There was also a special award given to a Heather Williams for commitment to studying the Institute of ILM (leadership and management) certificate in first line management.
The ILM student of the year award is sponsored by Yale College.
Heather was nominated by the ILM tutor from Yale College, Alan Bristow, who praised her for her hard work in completing the qualification.
Susan Ratomski, training manager at Wrexham Council, said: “The council is committed to providing its staff with the best training and development opportunities.
“I am delighted to see so many staff being recognised. They can all be proud.
“I would also like to thank my team for organising another successful event this year.”
Council chief executive Isobel Garner said: “I am always impressed and amazed by the wide range of qualifications that staff at Wrexham Council achieve and I wish them all well in their chosen careers.”