AN UNEXPECTED award for performance in online training has been presented to an employee at a builders merchant.

Paul Clifford, a telephone sales worker at Elliotts Builders Merchant in Brick Kiln Industrial Estate, Tadley, has been presented with the award of ‘Best Performing Online Student’ by the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants, in conjunction with the Builders Merchant Federation.

The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants encourages education and training within the building industry and were impressed with the commitment Paul showed throughout 2018 with his online training, via Elliotts’ own learning platform.

Paul was recognised for completing more than 58 online courses over the year with an average pass rate of 85 per cent - the highest of all users using the same online learning tool.

He was presented with the award at The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants annual luncheon at Grocers’ Hall in London.

Paul said: “It was fantastic to be presented with the award at the prestigious industry event.

“I received an engraved tankard and a cheque for £500 which is incredible as I’ve never won anything like this before, especially work-related.

“Completing all those online courses was a lot of work, but worth all the effort. They have helped me to expand my knowledge on the thousands of different products that we sell, which means I can do my job more effectively.”