Awards success and commendations for Building Students

The Building Students attended the ceremony, which was held at Manchester’s Ethiad stadium, with senior colleagues Andrew Walker, Darren Williams and Olivia Lea, and fellow student Duncan Kay.

Lizzie, 19, was presented with her award in front of the 100 invited guests and university VIPs including Professor Helen Marshall, Vice-Chancellor of the University.

The win acknowledged Lizzie’s commitment to her studies – she is currently on track for a first – alongside her successful integration into the team at Russell WBHO where she has impressed her managers and colleagues.

The award also commended Lizzie on the work she and the company have done as ‘ambassadors’ for the construction industry as a whole, the women in construction agenda, and the opportunities offered by Professional Degree Apprenticeships.

Together with her colleagues Lizzie has promoted the Building Student programme to pupils at local high schools through speaking events and careers evenings with education charity State Talking, and was an instrumental part of the team which volunteered for a week with a Liverpool food bank last summer.

The citation read:

The winner was chosen for their keenness to contribute to projects and strong reputation they have built within the organisation.

Their bright personality, willingness to get involved and the meticulous quality of their work is second to none. They continually raise the profile of apprenticeships within the organisation and beyond.

Managers commented that their work ethic and team attitude have proven the value that an apprentice can bring to a team and has changed the perception of the benefits of having an apprentice on any project.

Lizzie said: “I couldn’t believe it when they said my name, I was in complete shock but really pleased. I’m loving the Building Student programme, I really enjoy the job and I’m set on becoming a quantity surveyor. I like the academic side too and have been working hard on my assignments.

“As a young woman coming into the construction industry, I’m want to share my experience and promote it through school events, especially when there’s a chance to show girls it’s a route open to them and a great career thy would enjoy.

“I’ve also loved having the opportunity to give back to the community and volunteer with a foodbank with the other Building Students. That was a really rewarding experience and we’re grateful to the company for supporting us in doing that.”

Russell WBHO has been working with the University of Salford in partnership for almost 20 years. Together they deliver the five-year Building Student programme which provides young people with a route into the professional side of the construction industry.

As employees, the Building Students learn on live projects and benefit from in-house training and mentorships from senior colleagues. The company also finances a part-time degree at university in a construction related subject.

Trainees graduate with a full degree qualification and the crucial on-the-job experience which puts them ahead of the game. The success of the programme resulted in Russell WBHO being named Large Employer  of the Year at the University of Salford awards in 2020.

Commercial Manager Andrew Walker is among the senior staff overseeing the Building Student programme. He said: “We’ve had a great night at the University of Salford Apprentice of the Year Awards with the programme and our trainees recognised once again.

“We’re delighted for Lizzie to be named Apprentice Ambassador of the Year, it’s thoroughly deserved for her attitude and efforts over the last two years. Not only is she a great advocate for women in construction and an ambassador for both the company and the industry, she also exemplifies what makes a great apprentice demonstrating hard work, determination and a meticulous approach to each and every task.

“Our other three finalists Tom, Isabelle and George are also fantastic and a credit to themselves. I’m pleased we had the chance to bring them to the ceremony and acknowledge their hard work and commitment to their training and the company.”

John Millward, Russell WBHO construction director, added his congratulations and said: “The Building Student programme is an important investment in the future of our business and the construction industry as a whole.

“Through the programme we’re working hard to tackle the issues faced throughout construction recruitment – the skills gap, diversity, opportunity and quality – and ensuring we’re bringing through the very best calibre of new entrants to the industry by training them ourselves in conjunction with our University partner.

“Well done to Lizzie, Tom, Isabelle and George and to the colleagues who support them, we really do have the best team in the business.”