The 2013 Young Builder of the Year Awards, sponsored by Skanska, saw 19 finalists acknowledged for turning their lives around through their involvement in construction.
Over 120 people from the construction industry attended the ceremony on 16 October at the House of Commons. Kimberley Beagan was crowned winner of the 16 to 24-years old category and Jake George took the top prize in the 14 to 16-years old category.
Speaking at the event, Paul Chandler, Skanska Executive Vice President and member of the judging panel, said: “Today is all about recognising young people’s achievements and encouraging them to continue what they are doing. I’m joined today by Kerri Chambers, who was a runner-up in 2011. She now works for Skanska as a trainee quantity surveyor. It just shows what being a finalist can lead to.”
The UK-wide event is now in its 14th year. The awards were presented by George Clarke, architect and presenter of Channel 4’s Restoration Man, alongside Nick Raynesford MP and Youthbuild UK President.
Kimberley Beagan of Novus Solutions, Glasgow, is the first Scottish winner of the Young Builder of the Year Award. Kimberley said: “I wouldn’t have won this award without the help of my Glasgow Youthbuild workers, Joanne and Nicola. They helped me through the bad days when I could have given up. I was really nervous today and never expected to win but I am really proud to have done it.”
Jake George from East Kent College said: “I want to thank my teachers who have really helped me a lot. I love being in the House of Commons, it is awesome and I’ve never seen police with guns before!”
Along with a cheque, the winners received a trophy, framed certificate and a voucher to purchase tools of their trades. All the finalists finished the day with a trip on The London Eye.