Recently-retired Barratt Redrow chief hails York College as 'UK's best apprenticeship provider' at annual Construction Awards

A former York College student, himself, Mr Boyes was guest speaker during the event, which was held at York Sports Club.

He was also able to congratulate a Barratt Redrow apprentice, Luke Passingham, who won one of the two main prizes on the evening – the Principal’s Award.

Bricklaying student Tide Busby, meanwhile, was presented with the Governors’ Award.

In his speech, Mr Boyes spoke of Barratt’s working partnership with York College that stretches back more than 50 years.

He also hailed the success of Barratt Redrow’s accelerated bricklaying and site carpentry apprenticeship programmes, launched in 2021, which have resulted in an 81% achievement rate, compared to a national average of 65%.

The fast-track initiative has also seen the apprenticeship qualification period reduced from two years to 18 months.

Talking at the Awards night, Mr Boyes said: “I feel very humbled standing in front of so many outstanding individuals who have excelled in their studies and feel very envious of the exciting futures ahead of you in the construction industry. I have very positive memories of my time at York College when it was based further up Tadcaster Road. 

“It was hard work, but the lecturers were excellent and supportive, and I really enjoyed learning. I stayed in touch with some of those great lecturers afterwards, which says a lot about the impact they had. 

“Indeed, they continued to provide me with a steady flow of promising students, looking for careers in housebuilding and I am pleased to say I recruited a number who have had excellent careers in the industry. In 2021, we entered into the accelerated apprenticeship partnership because York College is the best in the country at delivering apprenticeships. 

“With the excellent teaching and support that York College gives our apprentices, around a quarter have passed with a Distinction grade. That is an enormous credit to both the apprentices and York College and underlines the success of our partnership. 

“We currently have 56 bricklaying and 43 carpentry apprentices at the college and, overall, 128 apprentices have completed the fast-track programme.” 

Mr Boyes had earlier enjoyed a tour of the college’s Sim Balk Lane campus, pausing for a picture in front of the York Guild of Building Award winners' board that bears his name from 1981 during his time as a HNC in Building Construction student, specialising in Quantity Surveying. 

Following in his footsteps, this year, were Stonemason apprentice Nicholas Beck and Painting & Decorating apprentice Connor Brown, who respectively received the Guild of Building’s Silver and Bronze Awards, presented by York Handmade Bricks Managing Director Guy Armitage.

A further special accolade to recognise “courage and kindness” was also bestowed on Construction Skills Entry Level 3 Painting & Decorating student Madi Smith, who won the Felix Johnston Award.

The prize honoured the memory of former York College Bricklaying apprentice Felix and was presented by his mum Ali Salisbury, who delivered a moving speech highlighting the importance of growing the dialogue around mental health in the construction industry. 

HNC Construction Management for England student George Bell, meanwhile, was crowned the first-ever winner of the Barratt Redrow Steven Boyes Award.

Outlining his reasons for nominating the GMI Construction-sponsored Principal’s Award winner Luke Passingham, tutor Nige Ellwood said: “At 37, Luke is older than the typical apprentice and made the significant decision to leave his partner and children in Essex to attend college in York. His personal circumstances also make his achievements even more remarkable, as the father of a severely autistic teenage son who requires continuous, 24-hour support. 

“Despite this, Luke made the courageous decision to leave stable employment in a factory to retrain as a carpenter, driven by a desire to challenge himself and create a better future for his family. While Luke is quick to credit the unwavering support of his partner and family, it is his own determination, resilience and commitment to self-improvement that has truly set him apart. He consistently strives to be the best version of himself, both personally and professionally, and produces work of an exceptionally high standard.

“He demonstrates outstanding attention to detail and works accurately to deliver results that reflect both technical skill and genuine pride in his craft. He adapts readily to new practices and unfamiliar techniques, showing a natural aptitude for woodworking. 

“His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and consistently high-quality output make him truly exemplary. If I were still working in industry, I would employ Luke without hesitation and Barratt Redrow are extremely fortunate to have him as part of their team.”

Explaining his nomination of Tide Busby for the Morgan Sindall-sponsored Governors’ Award, tutor Greg Hardy said: “Although the start of the course brought some challenges for Tide, he has shown real maturity to make tremendous progress. One of his standout achievements has been the effort he has invested in strengthening his theoretical knowledge. 

“He has made excellent use of his independent study time, and his determination paid off when he passed his principles’ exam at the first attempt - a significant milestone. Tide has grown in all areas of the course and his journey represents a genuine turnaround. He should be incredibly proud of how far he has come.” 

Prize winners from across the college’s vocational, T Level, University Centre and apprenticeship courses were joined by their family, employers, award sponsors and tutors to celebrate their achievements with winners also recognised in each of the college’s Construction curriculum areas for apprentices and full-time students.

Those awards were presented to:

Brickwork Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Ebor Brickwork) Dylan Roberts; Carpentry & Joinery Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Simpson (York) Ltd): Luke Passingham; Painting & Decorating Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Bagnalls): Connor Brown; Stonemasonry Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Matthias Garn Master Mason & Partner): Nicholas Beck; Plumbing Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Watermark Plumbing Supplies): Jacob Hewitt-Jones; Electrical Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Judge Electrical Ltd): Tom Wright; Professional & Technical Apprentice of the Year Award (sponsored by Yorkshire Building Control): George Bell.

Brickwork Full-Time Student of the Year Award (sponsored by Ebor Bricks): Tide Busby; Carpentry & Joinery Full-Time Student of the Year Award (sponsored by Persimmon Homes): Flynn Barker; Painting & Decorating Full-Time Student of the Year Award (sponsored by Woodstone 1 Ltd): Hamam Mustafa; Plumbing Full-Time Student of the Year Award (sponsored by Woodstone 1 Ltd): Archie Barker; Electrical Full-Time Student of the Year Award (sponsored by Murphy): Oliver Augustyniak; Professional & Technical Full-Time Student of the Year Award (sponsored by Certibuild): Rhys Ryan.

For more information on York College’s full range of Construction courses and apprenticeships, please click here 

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