Daniel Northgraves and Davin Foston were chosen to benefit from the Barry and Peggy High Scholarship Foundation due to their commitment to their NVQs in bricklaying. Daniel, 22, is currently on a placement at Elsea Park in Bourne, Lincolnshire, while 23-year-old Davin Foster is learning the ropes at Westhill in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Both Daniel and Davin will receive £500 towards tools and £500 for IT equipment, plus £500 when they finish their apprenticeships and a further £500 when they complete their NVQs.
Daniel, who lives in Keal Cotes, explained that he has overcome issues with dyspraxia and dyslexia to become an apprentice. He said: “The dyspraxia affects my co-ordination and makes me clumsy. It also affects my social skills, but I’ve learned to get used to it.
“I’ve always wanted to be in construction because I like creating things. I was really pleased to have been given the scholarship.”
Daniel has also been nominated for a CITB outstanding apprentice award, with the winner to be announced in October.
Elsea Park site manager Mick Lee added: “Daniel doesn’t let his difficulties hold him back. His performance is exceptional and his quality of work is excellent. As a result, he’s already been offered a job with our sub-contractor, which will start when he finishes his NVQ.”
Meanwhile, Davin’s site manager Ryan Asher-Powell says the apprentice was chosen due to his work ethic. He explained: “Davin is one of those people who will ask for more work if he’s finished what he’s doing, rather than taking it easy. He’s just got a fantastic attitude and really wants to learn.”
Davin, who lives in Bourne, said he was very proud to have been chosen to receive the scholarship, and explained that he loves working as a bricklayer. “I really like working outdoors in a hands-on role,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to know that I have helped create a home for a family to enjoy living in. I also like working as part of a team and meeting new people.”
He added: “I’m hoping to be offered a full-time role after I finish my course so I can carry on doing the job I love.”
Nick Moore, managing director of Kier Living Eastern, South West and Scotland, said the company is keen to encourage the next generation of skilled operatives to join the construction industry. He added: “As such, I work closely with our production director Mark Smith to ensure we provide the best possible opportunities to develop our apprentices.”
The Barry and Peggy High Scholarship, which is being managed by the CITB for the next three years, was set up on behalf of a benefactor who worked in the construction industry for many years. Thirty scholarships will be presented each year to apprentices living in Bedfordshire, Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire. Successful candidates are either ‘shining stars’, have overcome significant barriers to work or study, or are currently recognised as being in need of a helping hand.