United Colleges Group (UCG) is proud to announce that apprentice David Kane, has been nominated for YouthBuild UK’s national Young Builder of the Year Award 2025.
These highly regarded awards celebrate young people who have overcome significant challenges to achieve success in training or employment within the construction industry. This year’s winners will be announced at a special ceremony on October 15 at the House of Commons, hosted by Sir John Hayes MP.
David’s nomination recognises his remarkable journey overcoming significant learning barriers to establish himself as a highly skilled and well-respected apprentice. From an early age, David faced developmental delays, including chronic dyslexia and auditory processing issues, which made traditional learning and communication difficult. Despite these challenges, David ─ with the steadfast support of his adoptive parents ─ remained in mainstream education.
At secondary school, David went on to achieve a BTEC, several GCSEs and was recognised with the Jack Petchey Award for perseverance and the Princes Trust Award for personal development and employability skills. It was during this period he discovered a natural flair for hands-on work, particularly carpentry. This passion soon caught the attention of the Hill Group, who offered him their first-ever apprenticeship.
The student from Enfield uses assistive learning technology to support his studies and help him communicate on site. He is now working towards a Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery qualification at the College of North West London and on Hill Group’s Dagenham Green site.
Speaking about his nomination, David said: “I am very excited to attend the awards at the House of Commons. Carpentry has given me purpose, and I’m proud to show that challenges don’t have to hold you back in your career.”
Stephen Davis, CEO and Group Principal of United Colleges Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of David, whose story is a testament to the transformative power of vocational education and sheer perseverance. He has shown immense character in turning every barrier into a stepping stone.
“To be nominated for this national award is well-deserved recognition of his hard work and talent and we wish him the very best at the awards ceremony.”
Find out more about Apprenticeships and Carpentry.