Miller Apprentice Crowned Student of the Year
January 27th, 2006
Student of the Year - Jonathan Fitton.
Jonathan has just been crowned Student of the Year by the Northumbria branch of the Welding and Joining Society in recognition of his skill and enthusiasm.
The 19-year-old works for Miller UK, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of buckets and attachments for earth moving equipment whose founders Keith and Gary Miller started their careers as a welders.
Jonathan, who is studying welding and fabrication along with his City & Guilds technical certificate at Northumberland College, said:
I was surprised and pleased when I was nominated for the award and I couldn’t believe it when they announced I had won.
It’s a real honour to be voted Student of the Year and it has made me feel even more motivated to do well on my course and apprenticeship and become a professional welder.
Miller UK, which manufactures attachments for Caterpillar, JCB, Komatsu and other major names, takes on 8-12 apprentices every year at its factory in Cramlington, Northumberland.
Jonathan’s supervisor Stephen Brown said:
I cannot think of a more deserving person to be nominated for such an award. Jonathan is an excellent apprentice, he is hard working and has a great attitude. I am delighted he has been recognised in this way, and it’s a fantastic result for the whole team at Miller UK.
Jonathan, who lives in Ashington, was nominated by his tutor Keith Reynolds who added:
Jonathan has achieved credits and distinctions in all his course areas. He is a highly motivated individual who is eager and willing to learn as much as he can about his chosen profession. I am sure he will go on to be a credit to the welding industry and a role model for others.
The Welding and Joining Society is an activity of the professional division of The Welding Institute, providing services to members from the welding, joining and allied technologies industries. The Northumbria branch covers Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham.