Nick recently attended the Youthbuild UK’s annual event at the House of Commons, where he presented the Young Builder of the Year award and 17 other finalist medals to young people from around the country. The ceremony was attended by dozens of 14 to 24 year olds from socially-excluded backgrounds who have turned their lives around through work or vocational training in construction.

This year’s winner was 18-year-old Claire O’Brien from London, part of an encouraging ten per cent of female nominees in an industry where women represent just two per cent of workers.

Claire was one young person receiving awards who has overcome a difficult childhood. After doing well in her GCSE exams, Claire decided she wanted to be a plumber, and went on the gain a City & Guilds qualification in Plumbing. Claire then joined a housing construction training initiative, where she was so successful she has just been offered a five-year engineering apprenticeship with British Gas.

Nick, who presented Claire with her award and a cheque to help towards the cost of her toolkit, added: It’s great to see such obviously talented young people being able to develop their skills and employment opportunities. I am a huge supporter of investing in today’s youth, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. All the young people here today show that there are positive signs of economic recovery within the construction industry, and demonstrate what can be achieved with the right support and opportunities’.

Nick congratulated all finalists at what is now the tenth year of the annual Youthbuild Awards. Nick is President of Youthbuild UK, which aims to encourage young people who have chosen a career in the construction industry.