Inspirational stories told at YBUK 2024 Sponsors’ and Patrons’ Reception

Young Builder of the Year winners Andrei Avasiloaie and Brhane Hagos tell their moving stories

Attendees at the YBUK annual reception for Sponsors, Patrons and specially invited VIPs and guests were privileged to hear the life stories of the 2023 YBUK Young Builder of the Year awards winners’ Andrei Avasiloaie and Brhane Hagos first-hand.

Both arrived in the UK unable to speak a word of English and overcame many barriers to become star apprentices at Classic Builders and Durkan, respectively. Their inspirational stories are available of the YBUK website at YBUK.org/category/youthbuilders-stories

Opening proceedings, Lord Lingfield praised the work of YBUK in sharing best practice and recognising the achievements of young builders from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Leaders from construction companies, colleges and training bodies, charities and other third sector organisations also heard a powerful and moving speech from Lewis Tolputt, Business Development Manager about their commitment to offering opportunities to young people. Lewis also spoke about their support for YBUK as a Patron.

Young Builder of the Year 2003 winner, Ricky Clare, told how being given a chance by Joe Brennan, principal of JB Training and a former YBUK Trustee, helped him turn his life around. Ricky also told how his prize money helped him on his way to completing his apprenticeship and start a successful business.

At the reception, home builders Riverdale Developments became the latest YBUK Patron, joining Durkan, Classic Builders, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), O’Halloran and O’Brien, Crawford Contractor Connection, Galldris and concrete structures group, Construct.

Redrow Homes also announced they would become Sponsors of the YBUK Young Builder of the Year Awards, alongside NHBC, Toolstation, National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), Building and Civil Engineering (B&CE) Charitable Trust, The Skills Centre, Cyfle Building Skills, MPB Structures and Bromford Housing.