Brian Belnavis, apprentice plasterer from Hackney has been shortlisted for a Multicultural Apprenticeship Award after launching his career at the age of 45.
With the support of his children, Brian Belnavis embarked on a Plastering Apprenticeship at the College of North West London two years ago. Brian had never had any formal training since leaving school and had spent his adult life doing short, casual and unskilled labouring jobs for friends and family. As he reached his mid-40s, he wanted to change the direction his life was heading in. Recognising the value of a qualification, he applied for an apprenticeship with Hackney Council, where he grew up.
Since enrolling, Brian has thrived – impressing his tutors with his tremendous work ethic, his determination to succeed and his positive attitude. Alongside the apprenticeship, he has studied Maths and English in order to gain qualifications in these core subjects. Brian has now been shortlisted for the 2026 Multicultural Apprenticeship Award for his tremendous work challenging stereotypes around age and career development, and will find out if he has won the national award at a black tie event being held in Birmingham in November.
Brian said: “Doing this apprenticeship has been life-changing. I now have a reason to get out of bed every morning and I feel a real sense of achievement each time I finish a task. My children have been such a support over the past two years – motivating and encouraging me every step of the way. Once I began earning a proper wage, I was able to take them on holiday – something that I was incredibly proud to do.
“I am so honoured to have been nominated for this award. My tutors at the College of North West London could not have been more supportive and I am humbled that they took the time to nominate me.
“The apprenticeship has opened up so many doors for me and I can now see a future for me and my family. I look forward to continuing to make them proud.”
Rob Connolly, Plastering Lecturer at United Colleges Group, said: “As an adult learner returning to education, Brian is a success story for individuals who may have been overlooked or excluded from traditional career pathways. His success highlights the importance of accessible apprenticeship routes for diverse learners of all ages and backgrounds.
“Brian shows it is never too late to learn a skilled trade and embark on a new career. He is a hardworking individual with a great attitude, pushing himself harder than most and overcoming many challenges along the way. Through this apprenticeship, he will now be able to enjoy a secure, sustainable career doing something that he enjoys and that he is very good at. It is fantastic to see him directly contributing towards improving housing in Hackney where he was born and raised.
“We are delighted that he has been shortlisted for this award and wish him all the very best for the final.”
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
