Lawsons reports that it was “thrilled” by the success of Jordan Payne, a Branch Team Supervisor from the company’s Acton Branch, in winning the prestigious BMF Apprentice of the Year Award 2024.
Judged by a panel of leading industry figures and presented during a glittering ceremony following the BMF’s Annual Conference at the end of September, the award recognises Jordan’s workplace educational achievements and commitment to his professional growth.
The hotly contested category accredits apprentices who demonstrate skill and dedication to their roles, with Lawsons commenting that winning this award marks both an important milestone in Jordan’s career and reflects the high standards the business upholds and supports for its apprentices.
After two years of distance learning and one-to-one mentoring, Jordan completed his apprentice studies at the Institute of Apprentice & Technical Education for the Team Leader / Supervisor Level 3 programme with a Distinction grade this summer. Support from Lawsons was instrumental in his progress and when reflecting on his journey, Jordan expressed his appreciation for the resources and opportunities that were provided.
Jordan, who delivered an excellent seminar session on his background and career progression during the Conference proceedings, said: “Lawsons gave me all the resources I needed to complete the programme and supported me to attend out-of-branch courses, including a management course and a first aid course. I was encouraged to have a say in branch meetings and was allocated time for my apprenticeship studies.
“Even when Anthony Horrix, Assistant Branch Manager, moved to another branch he continued to check in on my progress and ensure everything was signed off in a timely manner. I can’t fault the support from both Anthony and Andy Bailey, my Branch Manager at Acton.”
When asked about his future prospects, Jordan shared an optimistic view on how his studies will further his professional and personal development: “This experience has allowed me to see how my career can develop at Lawsons. It creates an opportunity for me to develop even more and potentially manage my own branch one day. I’ll keep learning, and when the next course comes along, I’ll be ready for it.”
And, when summing up the presentation he delivered at the Conference, Jordan sagely noted: “I no longer have a job. I have a career.”
Jeremy Norris, the merchant’s Managing Director, added: “Lawsons is committed to developing talent, nurturing and supporting the next generation of managers and department heads. Jordan has shown himself to be a disciplined, motivated and very able member of our team whom we will be delighted to see continue to develop his career at Lawsons.
“We heartily congratulate his achievement.”
