Thompson Building Services Engineers Celebrates Apprentice Success in it’s 80th Year of Business
Thompson Building Services Engineers based in Ashton Preston is celebrating the success of two of its Electrical Apprentices, as the business marks its 80th anniversary year and continues its long-standing commitment to developing future industry talent.
Liam Rufus, 22, from Preston, has been recognised by our training partner JTL after being named JTL North West Regional Rising Star. Liam is currently halfway through his four-year electrical apprenticeship and has been praised for his technical excellence, commitment to learning and the contribution he has made both on site and during training. Liam was nominated for this award by his training officer at JTL and supported by the Company. The rising star category represents the future of the industry – highly skilled, exceptionally driven and eager to make an impact which highlights the value of high quality apprenticeship training.
Speaking about his award, Liam said:
“Being named a regional winner is a proud moment for me. I’ve learned so much during my apprenticeship and worked hard to get here, so it’s rewarding to have that recognised. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received and excited for the National Awards.”
Liam will now attend the prestigious JTL National Apprenticeship Awards, which take place on Wednesday 10 June at Plaisterers’ Hall in London and we look forward to celebrating his success with him.
The company is also celebrating the achievements of Billy Coxhead, 19, from Leyland, a third-year electrical apprentice. Billy recently competed in the SkillELECTRIC National Qualifying Heat in Preston, where he was named first runner-up.
The competition, organised by National Electrotechnical Training, forms part of the WorldSkills UK competition network and is designed to promote and showcase high standards and technical skills across the electrotechnical industry. Entrants are judged across a series of challenging practical tests, with competitors aiming to progress towards being named the 2026 SkillELECTRIC champion. Billy now waits to hear if his scores will take him to the national finals in London in November.
Speaking about the challenge, Billy said
“I’m incredibly proud to have competed in the Skill Electric competition and grateful to both my company and college for giving me the opportunity to take part. It pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but I really enjoyed the challenge and the chance to develop my skills and confidence throughout the experience.”
Stuart Thompson Managing Director of Thompson Building Services said:
“We are incredibly proud of both Liam and Billy. Their achievements are a fantastic reflection of their hard work, commitment and positive attitude, and they represent exactly the kind of talent we are proud to support at Thompsons.
“As we celebrate 80 years in business, it is important that we not only recognise our history, but also invest in the future of our industry. Apprenticeships have always played an important role in helping us develop skilled, confident and professional people who share our values of quality, safety, teamwork and pride in doing the job properly. Liam and Billy should both be extremely proud of what they have achieved, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to progress in their careers.”
The achievements highlight Thompson Building Services Engineers’ continued commitment to training, skills development and creating opportunities for the next generation of electrical engineers in the Lancashire Area.