Jewson has named Ollie Allen, a carpenter from Sheffield, as the winner of its Young Tradesperson of the Year competition.
Ollie scooped the top prize of International festival tickets, a holiday abroad, VIP gig tickets and up to £750 worth of building materials from Jewson after taking the overall crown of Young Tradesperson of the Year.
On winning the competition, 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, five category winners were announced in the competition:
- Overall Young Tradesperson of the Year: Ollie Allen
- 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 (winner)
- Best Young Business Person/Entrepreneur: Ben Kuchta, Warwickshire (highly commended)
Each of the category winners have been awarded VIP gig tickets and £250 worth of Jewson branch credit.
The judging panel of industry experts comprised: Gillian Cane, National Delivery Manager for CITB apprenticeships; Thomas Marples, Head of the National Construction Academy and Adam Barrie of On The Tools.
Clare Harding, Marketing Services Director at Jewson, commented: “The calibre of entries we’ve received this year has been so high that picking the winners was by no means easy.
“The winners are a fantastic example of the emerging talent in the construction industry, and their successes deserve to be celebrated. It goes to show that hard work and motivation can go a long way in succeeding in a construction career.”
The winners were announced and awarded their prizes at an exclusive event at the Custard Factory, Birmingham, on 28th April.
