Over 120 young British Gas apprentices received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award certificate at St. James’s Palace yesterday.

They have all spent 18 months working towards their NVQ level 3 in engineering while participating in a rewarding and challenging programme of personal development leading to the achievement of a Gold DofE Award.

The DofE inspires young people, of all backgrounds and abilities, to develop the skills they need for work and life. Leading employer and DofE supporter British Gas has recognised this and introduced a Gold DofE programme for its apprentices; by investing now in their young workforce, they are gaining core competencies that will benefit the business immediately and develop their leaders of tomorrow.

The DofE works with companies of all sizes to achieve our mission and we have a wealth of experience in working with businesses to help them achieve their goals. Companies like British Gas are taking part in DofE Business, a programme which leads to a Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and which helps young employees to develop confidence, leadership and team working skills while at work. It is achieving extraordinary results.

Alan Johnson, of  British Gas said: “British Gas is today delighted to bring over 120 of its newly qualified Engineers to St. James’s Palace to recognise and celebrate their completion of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

We know the effort and commitment all our Engineers have delivered in completing both their Apprenticeship and the Gold Award, which makes today so special and gives us the chance to show our appreciation and congratulate our Engineers.

All our Trainees complete the DofE Gold Award as part of their Apprentiship as we see the two schemes perfectly fitting together to give our future Engineers the character, social awareness and  Technical skills they need to be excellent engineers, serving our Customers.Today is a very proud day for our Engineers and for British Gas.”

Sam Molloy, British Gas apprentice said: “When I started the Residential we where just 10 ordinary young people. I have seen the group grow into excellent engineers. I am very proud to wear the uniform and be part of British Gas”.

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the success of our partnership with British Gas. The DofE has proven to be an ideal partner for companies that want to invest in their young employees and help them develop essential skills that will benefit both their business and the young person.”