This National Apprenticeship Week, Jigsaw Homes Group is celebrating apprentices working across different departments and disciplines, including joinery, plumbing, finance and neighbourhoods.
And one of its young apprentice joiners has now been recognised for her outstanding progress after winning a special award.
Olivia Williams was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ at this year’s Train Tameside 500 Awards, held at Dukinfield Town Hall.
Olivia, who is in her second year of her joinery apprenticeship after starting in September 2024, is studying for her carpentry and joinery qualification at Tameside College.
She was nominated for the award by Liam McNamara, QA Assessor at Tameside College who praised her commitment, quality of work and rapid development on the course.
He said: “Olivia has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both the college and her employer, Jigsaw Homes. She has a positive can‑do attitude and always strives to complete her tasks to the best of her ability. Her hard work, professionalism, and proactive approach make her highly deserving of this award.”
Her win comes as organisations across the country mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February 2026), celebrating the achievements of apprentices and the positive impact they make in local workplaces.
Train Tameside 500 is a key apprenticeship and skills‑development initiative run by Tameside College in partnership with Tameside Council.
The programme works with employers and education providers to create apprenticeship opportunities across priority sectors, support businesses with recruitment and training and help address skills shortages across the borough.
Olivia has been supported in her journey by her work mentor, Joiner Kieron Lee, whom she has gain valuable experience from.
Olivia said: “Winning this award makes me feel incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in my carpentry and joinery journey – and to know that all the hard work and effort I’ve put into developing my skills has been recognised.
“Working for Jigsaw Homes has played a big part in this and I’ve felt really well supported throughout my apprenticeship. I really enjoy being part of a team and I appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in my trade with the help and guidance of my mentor Kieron. This award has motivated me even more to continue improving and to take pride in the work I do for Jigsaw Homes and its customers.”
Tamla Etchells, Olivia’s manager added: “Olivia is an exemplary member of the team. She conducts herself with positivity and genuine enthusiasm and demonstrates a strong work ethic. Her growth over the past year developing her skills has been fantastic to see and the positive contribution to her work is evident. We are pleased to recognise the valuable role she plays within Jigsaw.”
Due to Olivia’s hard work and dedication, she is now on track to complete her end‑point assessment at the end of March – four months earlier than originally expected.
