This year's JTL Apprentice of the Year, Graham Reynolds, is not letting the grass grow under his feet following his award, as he is starting up a new venture and is looking to take on two apprentices this year.

SGS Electrics Ltd was formed due to the closure of Strange Electrical Ltd, where Uckfield, East Sussex based Graham served his apprenticeship, and he has now gone into business with long-standing director Steve O’Brien.

“Within the newly formed SGS Electrics Ltd we have had over 50 years of experience with Strange Electrical Ltd. In that time we have forged some good working relationships with our clients,” Graham explained.

Work is picking up already and Graham has now started interviews for two young electrical apprentices from JTL approved candidate list.

JTL’s South East Regional Manager Mark Syrett said: “We are delighted to see Graham’s hard work and dedication paying off in his new venture. I am sure the selected candidates will be in good hands and we are looking forward to working with Graham as an employer as much as we did when he was a JTL apprentice.”

Graham has also been acting as an ambassador for JTL giving speeches for the National Apprenticeship Service’s 100-100 campaign in the South East which aimed to encourage employers to sign up 100 apprentices in 100 days.

As well as general repairs and maintenance, the firm will offer inspection and testing services, cabling, lighting and fire alarm installation.