Midlands apprentices enjoy award winning success

Daniel Wilkins of Stephenson College recently won a Construction Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), for his aptitude and talent in carpentry and joinery.

The college recently held its annual awards ceremony where a number of outstanding students were recognised with awards for their academic excellence being awarded a congratulatory gift and framed certificate.

Stephenson College is one of the educational providers that the NFB is working with, to help support students who want to develop a career within construction. The NFB’s Leicestershire & Rutland Association has provided a £5000 bursary that the college will distribute to help students access the construction industry, as part of a three year programme providing £60,000 of bursaries to five colleges in The Midlands region.

Additionally, students from the North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College group gathered to receive a variety of awards at their annual awards ceremony. Two awards were presented to Oliver Martin from South Leicestershire College and Jack Masters, from North Warwickshire College. The awards were presented by Mr Andrew Oldshaw on behalf of the NFB Leicestershire & Rutland Association.

The construction industry faces a well publicised skills shortage and it is important that young people in The Midlands are aware of the range of careers available within construction, as well as the support that is available to them. The NFB continues to work with its members to help support local colleges and construction apprenticeships.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “There are many skilled trades which require a high-level of technical ability, and apprenticeships enable young people to learn on the job, gaining hands-on experience whilst getting paid at the same time. Education is a force for positive change and we must invest in our future workforce in order to tackle the current skills shortage.”