Youthbuild deadline looms

The deadline for entries to Youthbuild - a construction industry award scheme that helps disadvantaged young people build brighter futures - is looming.

With more than 700 employers and training organisations throughout the UK having been contacted by Youthbuild UK, organisers of the Young Builder of the Year competition, entrants have until 30 July 2010 to put forward the names of youngsters who have turned their lives around by learning a trade.

John Montague, chairman of Youthbuild UK said: “Most people are defined – to some extent at least – by the jobs they do, and consequently a trade gives a person a sense of self-worth.

“Youthbuild UK has helped provide many young people, often with backgrounds damaged through no fault of their own, with the foundations on which they can begin to rebuild their self esteem.”

The awards are organised in two age groups – 14 to 16-year-olds in education, and 16 to 25 in employment or training – with finalists attending a ceremony at the House of Commons in October.

This year’s prize fund totals £5,000, with up to £1,500 – including tools - going to the overall winner in the older age group, and tools worth £500 going to the school or college attended by the 14-16 age group winner.

All applications must be supported by an employer, training organisation, college, or school.

In the 11 years since it first launched, the Young Builder of the Year initiative has assisted hundreds of youngsters to overcome the personal and family setbacks that adversely affected their early lives.

Last year’s winner was a young woman who had spent several years in care, overcoming her problems to achieve good GCSE results, and finally deciding as a career as a plumber. She now has an apprenticeship with British Gas.

More details and application forms can be downloaded from www.youthbuild-uk.org