An apprentice on a community building project in Peterborough has picked up an award for his carpentry skills.

Nineteen-year-old Ryan Clarke, who works as a trainee site supervisor for Kier Construction on Clayburn Road, where the contractor is building a new primary school and community facilities, won the Ben Agger Award for Joinery at Peterborough Regional College’s Excellence in Skills Awards.

Named in memory of gifted joinery student Ben Agger, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2005 when he was just 19, the award is given to the most dedicated carpentry apprentice in the year.

Ryan, from Bretton in Peterborough, was praised by the judges for his commitment and determination. They commented: "Even though he did not have the advantages or support of others while growing up, Ryan has a great deal of self motivation and has proved himself to be mature beyond his years.

-- Advertisement --

"Demonstrating a considerable amount of drive, he successfully completed his studies earlier than planned, has secured a prestigious placement with Kier Construction and is now working towards becoming a site manager."

Ryan is enrolled on Kier's Construction Team Leader Apprenticeship (CTLA), a new qualification to train the next generation of site supervisors and foremen.

The apprenticeship, developed by Kier in conjunction with the UK Contractors Group and the Construction Industry Training Board, is the first of its kind. It combines training in areas such as communication and decision making alongside construction, and culminates in a level 2 NVQ in Construction Team Leading, with employment and further education opportunities for the best candidates.

During the two-year apprenticeship, Ryan will both study at the National Construction College in Norfolk and gain valuable practical experience on site with Kier’s construction teams. In his role as trainee site supervisor Ryan’s duties include working closely with the site manager on health & safety paperwork, liaising with and overseeing the various trades on site and organising activities, labour and materials.

(CD/GK)