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.
“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.”
