Youth Build UK 2012 News

19/10/2012

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ken Claxton, the founder of Youthbuild UK, on Friday 19th October 2012.

Without Ken's inspiration and drive YBUK and the Young Builder of the Year Awards would not exist.

6/12/2012

2012 Young Builder of the Year Winners Announced article presented in the Careers. For more information please click here.

23/10/2012

Steven Ellis of PM Training, Stoke-on-Trent, was announced as the 2012 Young Builder of the Year and Ryan Andrews of Essex Youthbuild, Chelmsford, was chosen as the winner of the 14 to 16 year old category. The national awards, now in its thirteenth year, celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work for the construction industry.

Lindsay Hoyle MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, presented the awards together with Steve Brown, captain of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team at the awards ceremony held at the House of Commons last week. Over 140 people, including politicians, senior figures from the construction industry, colleges, training organisations, finalists and their families and supporters were present.

Steve Ellis, the overall winner, became a young carer through family circumstances. His commitment to care for a disabled father and chronically ill mother meant Steve became isolated at school and also under achieved academically. Whilst never using his personal circumstances as an excuse, it did affect his confidence and attitude - having little respect for self or others. However, Steve's apprenticeship - involving Brickwork/Groundwork and Landscaping has been the key to a change of attitude. His employer reports that he has approached all projects with enthusiasm and an attention to detail which inspires other young adults in the team to follow his example. Steve said "It feels great to have won the award and going to the ceremony was a great experience. It means a lot as I really enjoy what I'm doing now and I'll be able to develop a career. My granddad is really proud of me." Steve continued, "I always wanted to be a landscape gardener and even though I was tempted to go into full-time work I knew that doing an apprenticeship would open more doors for me. I really appreciate the support all the tutors have given me, they've been brilliant and I couldn't have made it this far without them".

Ryan Andrews, winner of the 14 to 16 year old category, dropped out of mainstream learning due to bullying and low self-esteem. However through being given the opportunity to participate in an alternative education / construction skills project he saw a way forward, achieving success and raising self-esteem through learning practical skills. Ryan said "Winning this award has meant so much to me, this has not just boosted my confidence, it has made me feel like I can achieve anything".

Steve Brown, who was left paralysed after an accident, is no stranger to overcoming barriers and achieving great success, said "Being involved in these awards has been an overwhelming experience. My lifestyle had to change due to my injury and my path was chosen for me. However these young people, who grew up with adversity, had the strength to change the paths they were on. To me, this shows great tenacity at such a young age".

The winners were presented with a trophy, framed certificate, a cheque, and a tool bag with tools provided by Northern Tool + Equipment. Each year the Young Builder of the Year awards has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK construction industry. All the finalists finished the day with a trip on The London Eye courtesy of EDF Energy.

This year's high - profile judging panel was Stephen Ratcliffe Director of the UK Contractors Group, Paul Chandler Executive Vice President of Skanska, Judy Lowe Deputy Chairman of CITB-ConstructionSkills, Alasdair Reisner Director of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association and Rob Lockey Training Services Manager of NHBC.

The sponsors of the awards were NHBC, Skanska, Places for People, Land Securities, Orbit Homes and Northern Tool + Equipment.

03/05/2012

The Young Builder of the Year Awards celebrate the achievements of young people who, despite having to overcome personal barriers, have succeeded in training for and or gaining employment in the construction industry. The competition which began in 2000 is open to young builders from across the UK and is now entering its 13th year.

The competition is now open for entries, we are seeking applications from two categories of young builders: those in employment aged between 16 and 24 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. All applicants that are shortlisted will be invited to the Awards Ceremony, which will be held at the House of Commons on 18th October 2012.

For 2012 there is a prize fund of £6,000 and all shortlisted finalists will receive recognition at the Awards ceremony. Subject to the judge's discretion the overall winner may receive up to £1,500 (including tools), with further awards to the runners up. The winner of the 14 to 16 year old category will receive up to £500 (including tools) and their educational establishment will receive tools worth up to £750.

The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, President of Youthbuild UK, said "Unemployment among young people is one of the most serious challenges facing our society. That is why I am such a keen supporter of the Young Builder of the Year Awards which celebrate the achievements of young people who, even faced with poor prospects, have had to overcome huge barriers to train and work in the construction industry".

Last year's overall winner, Shane Dean Evans, who was the winner in the 16 to 24 year-old category, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. Despite having this serious medical condition, he has excelled in his vocational education and has demonstrated sheer determination to succeed as a qualified joiner and have a real impact in his workplace. The 2011 winner in the 14 to 16 year old category was Giovanni Damiani. He was bullied at school fell into the wrong crowd, and then left before gaining any qualifications however his training manager at Windermere Construction Skills Centre reflects that Giovanni has shown the greatest shift change of any of the hundreds of young people who have attended the centre; he is a dedicated and motivated trainee.

To find out more or to download an application form visit our website at www.ybuk.org.

Sponsors of the 2012 Young Builder of the Year Awards

23/02/2012

The national awards to celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to work and train for the construction industry has been launched.

The Young Builder of the Year awards has successfully run for 13 years and each year has attracted a growing number of entries from the future talent of the UK building industry. There are two categories of awards; - those in employment aged between 16 and 25 years old and those still in education aged between 14 and 16 years old. The awards ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 18th October.

John Montague, Chair of Youthbuild said "We are delighted that NHBC, Skanska, Places for People and Northern Tool + Equipment are sponsoring the awards again this year and we would like to welcome Orbit Homes and Land Securities as new sponsors for 2012".

The Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, President of Youthbuild UK, said "Unemployment among young people is one of the most serious challenges facing our society. That is why I am such a keen supporter of the Young Builder of the Year Awards which celebrate the achievements of young people who, even faced with poor prospects, have had to overcome huge barriers to train and work in the construction industry".

Last year's overall winner, Shane Dean Evans, who was the winner in the 16 to 24 year-old category, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. Despite having this serious medical condition, he has excelled in his vocational education and has demonstrated sheer determination to succeed as a qualified joiner and have a real impact in his workplace.

The 2011 winner in the 14 to 16 year old category was Giovanni Damiani. He was bullied at school fell into the wrong crowd, and then left before gaining any qualifications however his training manager at Windermere Construction Skills Centre reflects that Giovanni has shown the greatest shift change of any of the hundreds of young people who have attended the centre; he is a dedicated and motivated trainee.

Applications will open in late April for both categories of the Young Builder of the Year 2012. As well as the accolade of 'Young Builder of the Year' winners will receive a range of cash prizes and tools. Further details on the Awards can be found at www.ybuk.org.