Toolstation continued its role as the prize sponsor for the 2023 Young Builder of the Year Awards, providing the winners with tools to kickstart their careers.
The Young Builder of the Year awards, organised by Youthbuild UK, are an annual celebration of junior learners and workers ranging from 14 to 24 years old who have had to overcome significant barriers and gone on to secure employment or further training within the construction industry.
The winner of the 14-18 year olds category was Andrei Avasiloaie who, following his arrival in the UK from Romania has secured a Level 2 NVQ in Groundworks with Classic Builders in Plymouth. When he has completed his NVQ’s Andrei plans to learn how to operate a range of plants and machinery and continue his learning process.
The winner of the 19-24 year olds category was Brhane Hagos. Brhane came to the UK as a refugee from Eritrea at age 14 without any family or support network in place. Following considerable efforts to work he secured a position with Durkan on a London site in Lambeth. Brhane is studying for his NVA and L2 Functional Skills in English and his AM2 Test, following which he plans to undertake a L3 (advanced) electrical apprenticeship.
Speaking about sponsoring the awards, Greg Richardson, head of marketing at Toolstation, said: “We’re really pleased to continue our sponsorship for Youthbuild UK’s Young Builder of the Year Awards for 2023. Through our partnership we can give Youthbuild UK our support to their work nationally and locally, helping young people learn construction skills and develop careers which directly contributes to the growth and success of the UK trade sector.”
Ian Davis, chair of Youthbuild UK, said: “We’re really pleased Toolstation has continued their longstanding support for the Young Builder of the Year Awards and the work of Youthbuild UK. The awards are unique in recognising young people who have overcome barriers, risen to life changing challenges and achieved against the odds. They may have been dealt a tough hand but their stories of success are both humbling and inspiring”
