Member Article

Walter Thompson's Andrew is the 'UK's most inspiring apprentice'

A TEENAGE bricklayer from North Yorkshire has been named the UK’s most inspirational apprentice.

Andrew Sykes, 19, from Northallerton, was revealed as the Inspirational Apprentice of the Year at the 2019 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Apprenticeship Awards last week.

Andrew, who works for family owned construction company Walter Thompson, was presented with his award at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster and property entrepreneur, Sarah Beeny, best known for presenting UK shows such as Property Ladder, Streets Ahead and Britain’s Best Homes.

The CITB Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of apprentices and employers, and their commitment and dedication to construction. The ceremony took place at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall.

Andrew was also successful in another recent awards ceremony – he was commended in the 18-24 category of the Young Builder Awards at an awards ceremony at the House of Commons. Last year he was named as joint runner-up in the 14-18 category. The awards are run by Youthbuild UK to ‘recognise the potential of every individual to overcome barriers in life through their engagement in construction based services and to celebrate their success.’

Andrew first applied to join Walter Thompson when he left school, but hadn’t passed his English and maths GCSEs. He took the advice of Leonie Smith, Group HR and Training Manager at Walter Thompson who told him to do complete a bricklaying course at Darlington College and work on his maths and English.

Leonie also offered Andrew experience on site and he took this opportunity whenever he wasn’t completing college work. His application was successful a year later and since then Andrew has completed his level 2 and has progressed on to level 3.

Andrew said: “I am so pleased and at the same time shocked to win this award.”

Andrew, who has a diagnosis of autism, continued: “My apprenticeship has been a great experience and I would fully recommend it as a route to a brilliant career, because you get the balance of learning and the practical experience.

“I’d like to thank Walter Thompson as they supported me all the way in my apprenticeship”.

Jo Dixon, CITB apprenticeship officer, said: “Andrew didn’t let the delay getting started in his apprenticeship stop him. He was determined to do it, and his hard work and dedication paid off as he is really happy at Walter Thompson. He is very conscientious and is always ahead of his work. He is an all-round joy to work with and is extremely deserving of this award.”

Paul Hammerton, Managing Director of Walter Thompson, accompanied Andrew to London for the CITB Award, and added: “We’re thrilled for Andrew, but not surprised as we know how good he is. He has a very bright future ahead of him.

“Andrew’s recent and well deserved successes show how seriously we take our training. Our Walter Thompson Training Academy works closely with local colleges and universities to give our apprentices and trainees the best training available.”

Outside of work, Andrew is a keen caver and a member of Bradford Potholing Club. He is an assistant Scout leader and has recently completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Northallerton-based Walter Thompson is one of the largest privately-owned construction companies in the north east, undertaking contracts up to a value of £15m across a variety of sectors including: education, health care, leisure, MOD/DE, restoration and retail.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Walter Thompson .