Interserve FM Archive

23 July 2020

Interserve’s Karim Hughes shortlisted for BAME Apprenticeship Award

Interserve’s Karim Hughes has been shortlisted for the prestigious BAME Apprenticeship of the Year award in recognition of his work supporting the company’s clients on a range of contracts.

The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Apprentice Award recognises and celebrates the talent, diversity and in apprenticeship achievements of apprentices nationwide.

The 22-year-old joined Interserve in 2015 on a traineeship scheme launched to give work experience to young people who were not in employment or training.

Having impressed his supervisors, Interserve offered Karim an apprenticeship, which included undertaking a four-year electrical installation course which he successfully completed last month.

Karim is part of Interserve Engineering Services and has worked on electrical installation projects on a range of contracts including: Stafford Hospital, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil’s Prince Charles Hospital and Monmouth School.

He said: “I was surprised when I found out I’d been entered for the award, the fact Interserve thought enough of me to do so means a lot to me.

“The moment I found that I passed my apprenticeship is one of the proudest moments of my life. I want to be the best sparky that I can be, then maybe I can move into engineering and develop expertise across a range of skills.

“I’d never had a job before joining Interserve, so the faith the company has shown in me is deeply appreciated.”

Stephen Carroll, Interserve Engineering Services Apprenticeship Manager, nominated Karim for the award.

He said: “Karim has shown commitment and dedication since joining Interserve and I was proud to nominate him for this award. I am not surprised he has been shortlisted.

“He passed his final electrical competency exam at the first-time of asking. The standard is very high - the pass rate is lower than 50 per cent. and just as important as his academic skills, Karim’s quality of work and attitude constantly impresses his colleagues and our clients.

“I enjoy working with Karim and am delighted the company has supported him to develop his career. He is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination and he is a great ambassador for apprenticeships at Interserve”

Notes to editors

Interserve Facilities Management was a part of the Interserve Group and was acquired by Mitie on 30 November 2020.