Business news 26/11/2024

Keepmoat wins duo of awards at UK Youthbuild ceremony

We are celebrating after two of our trainees won top accolades at the UK Youthbuild Awards!

Tyler Mudie, a 19-year-old bricklayer from Newcastle, was named Young Builder of the Year in the 14-18 category at the awards, hosted in the House of Commons. Meanwhile, Zain Shafi, a 21-year-old Assistant Civil Engineer from Manchester, won the Young Builder of the Year award in the 19-24 category.

The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of socially excluded young people and the organisations that support them. Both Tyler and Zain have overcome significant personal challenges to win the coveted awards, thanks to their training programmes offered by Keepmoat.

Tyler’s incredible resilience and determination along with his dedication to his apprenticeship, paired with Zain’s inspiring leadership and commitment to sustainability, have set a new standard in the construction industry and led to their fantastic award wins.

Speaking about the duo’s achievement, Youthbuild UK General Manager, Chris Selby, commented: “This is a first for Youthbuild UK to have both Young Builder of the Year Award winners from the same organisation. The awards are a milestone event in the YBUK calendar and shine a light on not only the incredible resilience of young people but the fantastic support they receive from organisations such as Keepmoat.

“Each year we receive nominations from employers, training providers and third sector organisations that showcase some remarkable young people. The recognition Tyler and Zain have received through this process is truly deserved.”

Tyler recently completed his Level 2 Bricklaying apprenticeship at the National House Building Council (NHBC) Training Hub based at The Rise development from New Tyne West Development Company - a joint venture between Keepmoat and Newcastle City Council. Tyler has since progressed and achieved full time employment at Keepmoat as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager.

Tyler explains: "The apprenticeship route has always been of interest to me, particularly in construction. I attended a SEND school, where Geoff Scott at Keepmoat gave a talk on apprenticeships, which helped to confirm that an apprenticeship was the right path for me.

“I grew up in care, which was a brilliant time and really helped me to get where I am today, but securing an apprenticeship was daunting at first. My care worker was amazing at helping me find my routine and settle into my new work life, I can’t thank her enough! Since turning 18, I have moved back in with my family and my life is a lot more stable now.”

In Liverpool, Zain is currently undertaking his Level 6 civil engineering degree apprenticeship, working within the housebuilder’s north west technical team. He plays an integral role in supporting the land buying process and assisting with various elements of work at the due diligence stage.

Following the loss of his father at 15-years-old, Zain supported his mother and three younger siblings. Zain explains: “The on-the-job training at Keepmoat has been invaluable and has significantly improved my knowledge and skills. It’s been brilliant to learn about new methods of construction and emerging technologies which are being utilised in the construction industry.

“I have worked hard to get where I am now, but I have always been determined to succeed for both myself and my family. It’s been difficult at times, spending long hours commuting, but my hard work has paid off with this fantastic award win! I’ve secured my dream job and I am attending university, which is funded by Keepmoat.

“I really enjoy working within an encouraging and motivating environment at Keepmoat. I’m proud of where I am today both in my growing career and being a role model for my siblings, supporting my mother through a difficult time.”

As the housebuilding and construction sector battles an unprecedented shortfall in skilled workers, with 30,000 extra construction professionals needed by 2026, Doncaster-based Keepmoat is committed to developing young people and creating career opportunities across the UK via its apprenticeships and training schemes.

Geoff Scott, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, North East, who attended the awards with Zain and Tyler, said: “I’m incredibly proud of both Tyler and Zain. It’s inspiring to see their efforts, commitment and hard work recognised by such a prestigious awards programme.

“Keepmoat is committed to delivering skilled workers, in collaboration with our partners, to continue to create site-ready, skilled workers that contribute to the talent pipeline of construction workers.”

Youthbuild UK is a charity that engages with organisations and employers in the construction industry to share best practice in engaging with disadvantaged young people to help them create training and work opportunities.