Construction apprentice from Devon wins national apprentice award

An apprentice carpenter from Devon has been awarded Highly Commended National Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the acclaimed National Apprenticeship Awards 2021.

Henry Powell, who works for Barratt Homes, won the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony in London last week hosted by Strictly Come Dancing and BBC star Dan Walker and attended by the education secretary Nadhim Zahawi and minister for skills Alex Burghart.

Eighteen year old Henry Powell, from Plymouth, is building much-needed new homes at Chapel Gate, Launceston, a development of 140 new two, three and four-bedroom homes homes in the sought-after Upper Chapel area.

Henry joined the nation's leading housebuilder in 2019 straight from school. Despite the challenges of training during the global pandemic, Henry excelled at his level two carpentry and joinery apprenticeship and secured South West regional winner in the National Apprenticeship Awards in November.

Henry attended Saltash Community School and was inspired to learn a construction skill by his grandad who was an electrician and let Henry help with odd jobs around the house when he was young.

Receiving the award at the impressive national ceremony held at 30 Euston Square in London, Barratt Homes apprentice Henry Powell said: "This was such a fantastic surprise and I couldn't be more delighted to win, but more importantly my nan and grandad who have supported me throughout my apprenticeship are thrilled I scooped an award.  I recommend apprenticeships to anyone who doesn't want to go down the university route and is looking to learn and earn.   Apprenticeships are a great way to learn a skill and work in a rewarding environment where you can see the results of your hard work.  I am now looking forward to continuing to the next level of my carpentry and joinery apprenticeship with Barratt Homes and furthering my career in construction."

These are the 18th national apprentice of the year awards that celebrate the achievements of apprentices at all levels and from sectors including retail, commercial, digital and manufacturing.  Ten winners and 18 highly commended finalists were recognised from across all nine English regions.

Ross Faragher, managing director, Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter added: "This is an incredible achievement and we are all so proud of Henry.  Securing this high-profile award is a real testament to his hard work and enthusiasm.  These awards shine a welcome light on the important role that apprenticeship programmes play, not only in furthering the careers of hundreds of trainees but also in securing the future for construction. Training up the next generation of skilled workers who will help to build much-needed new homes across the South West is a vital part of the work we do, and we are thrilled that Henry's hard work and dedication has been so spectacularly recognised."

Barratt and David Wilson Homes currently employ 14 apprentices across Devon and Cornwall as well as higher and degree level apprentices working in sales, technical and commercial departments. Apprenticeships are available to people who have just left school or college, those looking for a new challenge or even those who have already started working towards a career in house building.

Apprenticeships are important in helping to address the current skills shortage in the construction industry. The average age of a construction worker in Devon and Cornwall is 55, with more people leaving the industry for retirement than new people joining. 

A list of all the winners and further information about the National Apprenticeship Awards is available on GOV.UK.

To find out more about apprenticeship programmes with Barratt Homes, visit https://www.barrattcareers.co.uk/early-careers/apprentices/trade-programme

To find out more about Chapel Gate, Launceston or to book a virtual or in person appointment, visit barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 3558 491.