SMB College Group Student and Barratt Homes Bricklaying Apprentice, Greg Kemp, has been announced as a finalist for Youthbuild UK’s Young Builder of the Year 2023!

The Young Builder of the Year Awards celebrate the achievements of young people, who despite having to overcome a range of challenges, have succeeded in training for and gaining employment in the construction industry.

In an interview with Youthbuild UK, Greg said “I thought everything I was doing wasn’t contributing to anything, I thought I was going backwards at one point and that all the work I was putting in wasn’t being shown. But out of the blue I got a message saying I was nominated, that my Tutor thought I was deserving and all the work I was putting in was starting to show back, it’s blown me away.”

Greg was nominated by his College tutor, Andrew Martin, he said “Greg has overcome a lot of obstacle’s in his past, and on getting to know him he is a well-mannered polite young man who is a pleasure to teach. He always wants to challenge himself with practical tasks, which at times challenges me with how I can stretch his abilities.

I have no doubt Greg will become a fully qualified bricklayer and succeed in life following on from the challenges he has met and overcome from his past. I am very proud to be part of Greg’s journey and even prouder for him to be a national finalist in the Young Builder of the Year Awards.”

The Awards Ceremony is sponsored and hosted by Youthbuild UK’s president Sir John Hayes MP and takes place on Wednesday 18th October at the House of Commons in London. Andy and Greg have been invited to attend the prestigious ceremony and the College will be cheering them on!

If you’re interested in undergoing an apprenticeship with SMB College Group, come along to one of our Open Days https://www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk/news-events/events or contact our Apprenticeship’s Team at 01530 519 001 to find out more!