The Youthbuild UK Awards are held each year at the House of Commons to celebrate the achievements of young people, who despite having to overcome personal barriers have succeeded in training and becoming employed in the construction industry.
There are two categories:
The Awards are sponsored by a range of companies including NHBC, SKANSKA, B&CE Charitable Trust, Toolstation and CECA.
The judging panel is made up from Industry Consultants, Directors, Executive Vice Presidents, Chief Executives and Industry Training Managers.
In 2016, Action for Children nominated a number of young people in recognition of the progress they have made throughout training and moving in to employment. We were successful in having three young people making the finals in the 14-18 year old category.
Action for Children also received a special award in recognition of the support given to young people. This was the first time the Awards board have given such a prestigious award.
Luke Wilson completed our Youthbuild programme in May 2015 and moved in to employment with DV McColl. He started as a general labourer providing support to tradesmen on site and learning all about the tools, materials and techniques involved in ceiling fixing.
In August 2016, Luke progressed on to an apprenticeship with the employer and attends college to gain the qualifications required to become a tradesman himself.
Luke loves his job and has even worked away in Fort William for a 6 month period working on the biggest schools campus project in Scotland.
Luke was Highly Commended at the Youthbuild UK Awards in 2016.
Marc Lambert completed the Youthbuild programme in May 2015 and progressed in to employment as a general labourer with Carter Ceilings.
Marc has impressed his employer over the past year with his attendance, timekeeping and attitude to work. So much so, that he was offered an apprenticeship and is now attending college to learn the trade of Ceiling Fixing.
Marc really enjoys his job and feels the experience and support he gained through training and supported employment has been of real benefit to him.
Marc won 2nd place at the Youthbuild UK Awards in 2016.
Chloe McDonald first completed our Forestry programme gaining a range of certificates and experience in this industry.
However, she was keen to work in construction and was successful in gaining a place on the Youthbuild programme in April 2016. Chloe expressed a particular interest in Painting and Decorating and we were able to secure her a placement with Baxter and Gillespie.
Chloe impressed her employer right from the start and they offered her an apprenticeship at the end of her trial. Chloe is attending college and is a strong member of the team who receives a lot of respect and encouragement from her colleagues.
Chloe was the WINNER of the Youthbuild UK Awards in 2016.