Governor Pays Tribute to Apprentices

By J, Brock (FINN)

H. E. the Governor Mr. Donald Lamont has paid tribute to the achievements of students in the Apprentice Programme in the Falklands and to Mr. Arthur Nutter, their co-ordinator and trainer. During a presentation at Government House on Wednesday evening, Mr. Lamont said:

"Before the media have had too much to drink, I think we ought to …. Did I say that?" Lets crack on with the business. Really, there are two parts. We have first of all a slightly reluctant focus of attention so I will embarrass him first and go on to various things.

Arthur has recently retired after 17.5 years in the public service here, starting at the Senior School in 1985. And, even in the short time that I have been here, early on, the apprentice scheme was put on a more solid and focused footing. That seemed to be an important and significant achievement. A society like this needs the practical skills that were provided to a well organised to a well-organised apprenticeship scheme. And, Arthur really has been the key individual in putting that together and making it work. We all owe a debt of gratitude for that. Arthur, of course, has also stepped down from the Museum and National Trust. Given the retirement and the presentation, I thought it was appropriate to put on something that would say ‘farewell.’ Arthur was clearly hesitant about being the focus of attention and having something to mark his retirement but I conned him – persuaded him that perhaps if we merged this into something - it would be for those of you as apprentices who have reached the stage off the presentation of certificates, then it would nicely combine our acknowledgement to Arthur but also an indication that the process was on-going. And, there should be also this evening, some representation from the Museum and National Trust.

Firstly, I ask you to raise your glasses and say to Arthur, a very well done for the past 17 and a bit years."

The Governor then presented the certificates to the following apprentices.

Roy Goss: IVQ Second level Plumbing, NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Medical Services Plumbing and Completion of Apprenticeship Papers.

Claudio Ross: IVQ Second Level Timber Trades, NVQ Level 2, Timber Trade, Bench Work and Completion of Apprenticeship Papers.

Luke Clarke: IVQ Certificate Level Timber Trades, NVQ Level 2 and 3 Timber Trade Site Work and Completion of Apprenticeship Papers

Kevin Ross (In UK): IVQ Timber Trades, NVQ Level 2 and 3 Certificates in Timber Trades Bench Work. He studied "A" Level for Building and Environment at Chichester College.

Marcus Morrison: IVQ Certificate Level Timber Trades, NVQ Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Mechanical Services. Also, the John T. Snelling Award for Best Plumber, presented by Chichester College.

Stevie Bonner: IVQ Certificate Level Painting and Decorating, NVQ Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Painting and Decorating. Stevie has received a shield, the McDougal Rose Award presented by Chichester College for Painting and Decorating. But he receives, as well as the certificate, documents, including Completion of Apprenticeship Papers, a silver medal for taking second place in the UK Regional Skills Guild Competition. And, there is something else as well later.

Stevie and Marcus share the Annual Falkland Islands Apprentice of the Year Award. Each receives £1,000.00.

Stevie, I also have a bit of a surprise because here in my pocket. I have the Gold Medal from the Cities and Guilds Group and I congratulate you.

H.E. the Governor concluded the presentation by congratulating all who received certificates and those who are working towards completing their apprenticeships.