AN apprentice who works for Fortis Property Care in Malvern has scooped a runner-up prize at a national award ceremony.

Lewis Platt, age 18, of Rushwick, was runner-up in the non-trade apprentice category at the Direct Works Forum annual awards ceremony in Coventry.

Mr Platt applied for the award after encouragement from his boss, David Baddeley, commercial director at Fortis Property Care, formerly Festival Housing.

“We are really proud of Lewis being recognised at a national level as it is a significant achievement; this reflects his passion and commitment to his job,” said Mr Baddeley.

Mr Platt is currently working as a trainee maintenance contract surveyor and attends college one day a week. He says the recognition will give his career a boost.

“I worked hard on the submission for the award and I am please with the outcome. I hope to continue to progress up the career ladder once I have completed my training. This is a great thing to have on my CV,” he said.

Around 15 per cent of Fortis, workforce are apprentices and there is a mixture of office-based and the more traditional trade apprentices.