The Construction Apprenticeship Awards 2022 took place on Friday, 14th October 2022 at Salford City College’s very own FutureSkills at MediaCityUK campus. With the event headline sponsored by Construction EPA Company, the special occasionrecognised excellence and achievement of apprentices, providers and employers in the UK construction apprenticeships sector, with employer winners chosen through demonstrating consistent high-quality and innovation, and apprentices who have evidenced resilience and determination within their construction apprenticeship role.

With a drinks reception, musical performances, networking opportunities and entertainment from Mancunian comedian Justin Moorhouse, the attendees were treated to an evening full of enjoyment and celebration.

Sitting amongst other nominees shortlisted from across the country, the competition was close, however, Salford City College Apprentice Josh Holmes impressed the judging panel and achieved the ‘Level 2 Construction Apprentice of the Year’ award, sponsored by British Gypsum.

Josh is employed at Bethell Group and is currently undertaking a Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard, delivered by Apprenticeships at Salford City College.

Josh’s line manager, Mike O’Connor, said: “Josh has been a great addition to the Bethell Team at Manchester Airport; his hard work and commitment has been recognised with this award. We are looking forward to helping Josh develop as an integral part of the team.”

Apprentice Josh Holmes

Many of Josh’s other colleagues, his friends and his family took to social media to congratulate him on the award win, with his Dad, Alistair Holmes, saying: “I’m so proud to announce that last night my son, Josh Holmes, won at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards. Massive thanks to Bethell Group for giving him the opportunity to make a start in his chosen career. As his father, I’m really looking forward to seeing how his career develops.”

Salford City College Group were the official venue host for this year’s awards, hosting the event in their state-of-the-art TV, Film and Media Studio and Exhibition Space. The venue, located in the heart of MediaCity, was chosen due to a previous series of successful awards events hosted there.

The event was also hosted by Salford City College Group student Charlie Idiens, who is currently studying Performing Arts at the Group’s Pendleton Sixth Form College campus. Charlie was given the opportunity to audition for and host the entire event, alongside Comedian Justin Moorhouse, to aid his professional development and his studies at the College.

 

Charlie Idiens and Justin Moorhouse

Commenting on being the venue sponsor and the achievements of the College’s students, Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement at Salford City College Group, said: “It was a pleasure to host the awards and see so many apprentices, employers and other providers in the room from all over the country, all so passionate about apprenticeships in construction. The obvious highlight of the evening for me was seeing Josh pick up his award. He is a brilliant young man, who has had great support from Bethell, and now has a great career ahead of him.”

Last year, apprentice Paul Horan was awarded ‘Level 4 Construction Apprentice of the year’ at the 2021 awards.

Allan added, “Both Paul and Josh are great examples of the opportunities that can be created through working hard and committing to your apprenticeship.”

If you are interested in finding out more about apprenticeships, then contact the Apprenticeships at Salford City College team on: 0161 631 5555 or apprenticeships@salfordcc.ac.uk.

 

Visuals: www.tfmedia.online