We are proud that two of our colleagues achieved success at the Direct Work Awards 2021.
Tracy Perkin, an apprentice Gas Engineer, was crowned Apprentice of the Year and Tristan Dunn was highly commended in the Inspirational Employee category.
Judges found Tracy’s career change at the age of 40 inspirational after she took the brave step having worked for a plumber’s merchant selling boiler parts for 20 years.
Despite harbouring a burning desire to become a heating engineer, she feared her chance had gone.
That was until we offered Tracy a heating engineer apprenticeship and she hasn't looked back.
Tracy said: “To be honest I was worried my chance had passed by and I was always going to be thinking about what might have been.
“Luckily LiveWest don’t hold any barriers and welcome people whatever their age or gender. I applied and I was fortunate enough to secure a post with them and, since then, I have never looked back.
On the award, Tracy added: “I was surprised when I was nominated, shocked when I was told I had got through to the final three people and completely flabbergasted when my name was called out as the winner.
“This award is completely a LiveWest team effort. The support and guidance I have received from the apprenticeship team, supervisors, management, directors and especially my mentor has been phenomenal. I cannot thank everyone enough.
“Working for LiveWest is awesome.”
Tristan Dunn, also a Gas Engineer, was highly commended for going above and beyond to assist LiveWest in ensuring gas compliance in its homes across the South West.
Tristan was one of the first people to volunteer for specialist training to complete gas safety checks during the early pandemic.
Paul Collinge, our Gas Manager, said: “Both Tristan and Tracey are truly inspiration characters, spending just a short period of time with them individually you quickly see how both have achieved success at the Direct Works Forum Awards against tough competition.
“Tristan is not only inspirational, generous and supportive he sets an example for our followers which is truly infectious, all skills combined allow Tristan to deliver a first-class customer focused service.
“Many of the skills highlighted have been developed and honed from his time as a Royal Marine Commando I’m sure.
“Tracy has certainly challenged convention to become an apprentice which has set a benchmark for others to strive for.
“I have no doubt Tracy will realise her goal of becoming a Gas Safe registered engineer in 2022, again another infectious and talented employee who is a joy to work with.
“LiveWest are extremely proud of both their achievements and wish them the best in their chosen vocations.”