The results are in! We started our quest to find the cream of the UK’s young construction workers in January and were blown away by the quality of talent on show. After much deliberation and careful consideration from the expert team of judges, Ollie Allen, a carpenter from Sheffield, was crowned the Jewson Young Tradesperson of the Year for 2017.
Ollie faced serious competition from the other finalists, but his passion for the industry, range of skills and business acumen gave him the winning edge. His prize haul included international festival tickets, a holiday abroad, VIP gig tickets and £750 worth of building materials from Jewson.
Clearly chuffed at winning, Ollie commented: “It feels amazing to be the overall winner – there was some tough competition so I’m really proud. I think it’s really important to inspire the younger generation of construction workers, and awards like this can really help to do that. I’ve been running my own business for around six years and it’s been great, but a tough journey to where I am now, so I’m really proud to have won.”
As well as the overall Young Tradesperson of the Year prize, five category winners were also announced:
Best Apprentice: Kieron Smith, Kent
Best Young Tradesperson under 18: Matthew Woodhouse, Derby
Best Young Tradesperson 18-24: Jack Allen, Glasgow
Best Young Tradesperson 25-30: Ross Conquest, Sussex
Best Young Business Person/Entrepreneur: Tobie O’Dell, Hertfordshire
Jewson Young Tradesperson of the Year: Ollie Allen
Highly commended – Best Young Business Person/Entrepreneur: Ben Kuchta, Warwickshire
Each of the category winners have been awarded VIP gig tickets and £250 Jewson branch credit.
The judging panel of industry experts included Gillian Cane, National Delivery Manager for CITB apprenticeships; Thomas Marples, Head of the National Construction Academy; Fiona Russell-Horne, Editor at Builders Merchants Journal and Adam Barrie of On The Tools.
All of the winners are a fantastic example of the emerging talent in the construction industry. Their hard work and motivation makes them great role models for anyone that wants to learn a trade.
You’ll be hearing more from them on the blog in the coming weeks as they share the stories of how they became champions of the trade.
