Young Apprentice of the Year

Recognising a young apprentice who has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and potential in their training and development within the construction industry.

Sianna Borland – EQUANS

Overview

Electrical Apprentice Sianna Borland is lighting the way for a new generation in the trade. Balancing her apprenticeship with a growing online influence, she shares her journey as an adult learner entering a male-dominated field, showcasing both skill and authenticity. Sianna works across domestic and commercial projects, assisting with installations, maintenance, and compliance under industry regulations, while collaborating closely with senior electricians.

Why They Stood Out

Sianna’s technical skill and determination are matched by her advocacy for inclusion and representation. Her passion for the electrical trade extends beyond the job site — she uses her social media platforms to document her training and inspire others, breaking barriers for women and diverse learners. Judges praised her professionalism, resilience, and the positive example she sets for aspiring tradespeople everywhere.

Highlights

• Collaborated with Installer Show, Regatta, Scruffs, Snickers, and Wiha Tools.
• Uses social media to promote trades careers to young women and adult learners.
• Demonstrates consistent excellence in both theory and practical work.
• Inspires inclusivity and confidence among underrepresented groups.
• Advocate for lifelong learning and industry diversity.

Harry Whale – VINCI Building

Overview

As a Technical Apprentice with VINCI Building, Harry Whale is already delivering highimpact work on the Birmingham Airport refurbishment project. Reporting to the Senior Construction Manager, he supports site operations, leads daily briefings, manages safety compliance, and helps coordinate sub-contractors across multiple high-security environments.

Why They Stood Out

Harry’s leadership and initiative have earned him recognition across the company. He designed and implemented a new airport security identification system, introducing traceable hi-vis vests linked to ID databases — a concept so effective it was formally adopted by the client. His composure leading daily activity briefings with 25+ senior managers also impressed judges, marking him as a natural communicator and future leader.

Highlights

• Designed and rolled out airport-wide security traceability system.
• Recognised by Birmingham Airport leadership for innovation and professionalism.
• Leads Daily Activity Briefings (DABs) for 25+ team members.
• Mentors T-Level students and supports VINCI’s CSR outreach in schools.
• Committed to continuous training: SSSTS, First Aid, Fire Marshal, SEATS, NEC4.
• Praised for initiative, communication, and leadership beyond his years.

Morgan Rees – VINCI Building

Overview

Morgan Rees, Trainee Quantity Surveyor at VINCI Building, has already made his mark on two major schemes: Birmingham Airport and the Edward Street Hospital project. His dual focus on academic excellence and real-world application sets him apart — earning a firstclass grade in his university studies while excelling commercially on site.

Why They Stood Out

Morgan combines commercial acumen with initiative and teamwork. He restructured payment drawdowns to resolve overpayments, implemented a new on-hold payment reporting system, and strengthened client relations through proactive site engagement. Judges were struck by his professionalism, technical insight, and leadership as a mentor to new trainees.

Highlights

• Delivered process improvements across multiple major projects.
• Implemented on-hold payment report improving cashflow and efficiency.
• Achieved First-Class results in Year 1 of his degree.
• Mentors junior QS apprentices and supports T-level integration.
• Balances study, site work, and leadership with exceptional discipline.
• Recognised for professionalism, empathy, and commercial maturity.

Corey Leech – EQUANS

Overview

At just 17, Corey Leech is making a name for himself as an Apprentice Carpenter at

EQUANS, specialising in the installation of Q-Mark fire-rated doors across Birmingham’s high-rise buildings. Working alongside his mentor, Corey ensures every door meets safety standards and precision requirements vital to protecting residents’ lives.

Why They Stood Out

Corey’s craftsmanship, precision, and maturity have earned him recognition beyond his years. His meticulous installations directly contribute to the city’s fire safety initiatives, while his positivity and professionalism elevate team morale. He’s already received the Birmingham City Council STAR Award and a Highly Commended recognition at the EQUANS Apprentice Awards.

Highlights

• Winner: BCC STAR Award (Apprenticeship Services).
• Highly Commended: EQUANS Regional Apprentice Awards.
• Consistently achieves top marks for safety and workmanship.
• Inspires peers through mentoring and public outreach.
• Completed his apprenticeship ahead of schedule, now entering EPA.
• Passionate advocate for apprenticeships and youth careers in trades.

Jay Archibald – BAM Nuttall

Overview

Graduate Apprentice Civil Engineer Jay Archibald plays a pivotal role in BAM Nuttall’s delivery of Scotland’s 275kV Creag Dhubh and Kinardochy Substation projects. From surveying and setting out to quality assurance and digital engineering, Jay operates at a technical level far beyond his stage in training.

Why They Stood Out

Jay’s engineering precision and leadership earned him BAM Nuttall’s Most Promising Employee 2024 award. His contributions to the Retro Beam Bridge installation, managing complex geotechnical challenges, showcased an exceptional grasp of theory and field application. Judges praised his initiative, digital fluency, and mentorship of peers as the embodiment of the modern apprentice.

Highlights

• Delivered Retro Beam Bridge installation under challenging ground conditions.
• Managed handover documentation for Kinardochy Substation.
• Winner: BAM Nuttall Most Promising Employee (2024).
• Champion of digital tools – BIM360, AutoCAD, and data-led site delivery.
• Mentors fellow apprentices and promotes sustainable engineering practice.
• Key contributor to national grid infrastructure projects.

Olivia Arnold – Ridge and Partners LLP

Overview

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Olivia Arnold is proving herself an invaluable part of Ridge and Partners’ Solihull office. Working across industrial, leisure, and residential developments, she supports every stage of project delivery — from feasibility to final account — with professionalism, precision, and positivity.

Why They Stood Out

Olivia stands out for her initiative and leadership within and beyond her apprenticeship. Trusted to liaise directly with clients, she’s helped improve documentation standards and contributed to winning repeat work. Judges highlighted her maturity, communication, and active role in Ridge’s Next Gen and Great Place to Work committees, shaping company culture while excelling academically.

Highlights

• Integral contributor to multi-sector commercial delivery.
• Featured as Ridge role model in internal and LinkedIn campaigns.
• Member of Next Gen Network, Gender Impact Group, and Great Place to Work.
• Drives CPD and sustainability initiatives including carbon cost planning.
• Excellent academic results; committed to RICS Chartership.
• Inspiring mentor for peers and work experience students.

Harry Pullin – United Living Property Services

Overview

Apprentice Quantity Surveyor Harry Pullin is helping deliver the £multi-million Heathtown High-Rise Refurbishment Programme. Managing supply chains, valuations, and costs,

Harry’s strong commercial instincts and people skills make him a standout apprentice within United Living’s property services division.

Why They Stood Out

Harry’s professionalism and reliability have earned him respect across all levels of the organisation. He streamlined agency staff tracking, improving payment times by 30 days, and plays an active role in mentoring local students through the United Living School Mentoring Programme. Judges praised his leadership potential and passion for encouraging young people into construction.

Highlights

• Commercially manages £8m supply chain portfolio.
• Improved agency payment system, reducing turnaround by 30 days.
• Active mentor in United Living School Programme for 60+ students.
• Achieving First-Class Honours trajectory in Quantity Surveying degree.
• Trusted by clients and senior staff alike for diligence and integrity.
• Exemplary ambassador for apprenticeships and early-career success.

Wrap-Up

From civil engineering to carpentry, quantity surveying to electrical installation, this year’s Young Apprentice finalists embody the skill, character, and ambition driving the future of construction. Their stories prove that apprenticeships are not just pathways into the industry — they are launching pads for excellence, innovation, and leadership.