Top honours at Shetland's first training awards ceremony have gone to John-Robert Eunson who was last night (Monday, November 27) named BP Sullom Voe Modern Apprentice of the Year.

John-Robert's achievement follows his success last month when he was voted top modern apprentice in Scotland at a high profile ceremony in Edinburgh, and this week he was on his home turf to pick up another trophy presented by Niel McCracken, BP Sullom Voe Terminal Manager.

Awards were also presented in seven other categories at the Shetland Training Awards 2006 held in Clickimin Centre Bowls Hall organised by Shetland Enterprise.

John Robert Eunson started working for BP UK in August 2002 as a Modern Apprentice in mechanical engineering. After completing his SVQIII through NAFC Marine Centre, John-Robert signed up for a Bachelors Degree in Engineering and earlier this year won the Tallow Chandler medal for the top outstanding apprentice for BP UK.

Another top title went to Graham Keith who won the Modern Apprentice Outstanding Effort award for showing perseverance and determination in moving from a retail post to train in the aquaculture industry, rising quickly through the management structure and introducing improved feeding and husbandry techniques.

The Skillseeker of the Year award went to Wish Thomson who gained an SVQII in business administration through the Skillseeker programme while working at The Stage Door and has used her training to take on a number of new responsibilities. Since joining the company she has risen to the post of assistant manager taking responsibility for the administration and accounts side of the business.

The Skillseeker outstanding effort award went to Sherrell Moncrieff for her achievements in the post of personnel clerical assistant at Shetland Isles Council, where she has earned an excellent reputation for the standard of her work.

The Get Ready for Work Trainee of the Year, sponsored by Support Training Ltd, was won by Daniel Nicolson. His dedication through the GRFW scheme and through increasing his qualifications with the Construction Industry Training has secured him an apprenticeship with John Halcrow Builders.

George Hawes took the title of Training for Work Trainee of the Year for his sustained perseverance in applying and securing himself a rewarding post with Shetland Line following an appropriate training course.

Finally, awards went to three different sized companies for their contribution to workforce development - Stronach's Body Repairs; Shetland Jewellery and Shetland Organic Seafoods Group.

The shortlist was judged by Rae Tulloch, an independent staff development consultant, and Magnus Shearer, director of Shetland Enterprise (SE).

Following the presentations Rachel Hunter SE development manager said: "I am delighted SE has inaugurated these awards which bring a focus to all the hard work and real benefits which training schemes operated by Shetland Enterprise are bringing to the islands' workforce. All those nominated for awards tonight richly deserve recognition for the dedication they have shown in improving their skills and contributing positively to the islands' economy."

Results: 

BP Sullom Voe Modern Apprentice of the Year - John-Robert Eunson. Commended, Peter Robertson and Graham Keith.

BP Sullom Voe Modern Apprentice Outstanding Effort Award - Graham Keith. Commended, Andrew MacGregor and Allan Stronach.

BP Sullom Voe Skillseeker of the Year Award - Wish Thomson. Commended, Karen Hutchison and William Arthur.

BP Sullom Voe Skillseeker Oustanding Effort Award - Sherrell Moncrieff. Commended, Wish Thomson.

Support Training Ltd Get Ready for Work Trainee of the Year - Daniel Nicolson.

Support Training Ltd Training for Work Trainee of the Year - George Hawes.

Shetland Enterprise Business Awards - Outstanding contribution to workforce development (less than 10 employees) Stronach's body repairs; (11-25 employees) Shetland Jewellery; (26+ employees) Shetland Organic Seafoods Group.