Construction chemical specialist, Sika, continued their support for young talent, training, and apprenticeships in the construction sector last week, as headline sponsor for the Construction Development Alliance (CDA) Young Professionals Awards.
The event took place against the heritage backdrop of Burnley Mechanics and was hosted by TV personality and gardening expert Charlie Dimmock, a great advocate of young talent within the construction industry.
The event recognised the achievements of five outstanding candidates all between the ages of 16 and 25, who encapsulated the contribution of young people to the North West construction sector.
The categories included ‘Overcoming Adversity in Construction’, ‘Young Designer of the Year’, ‘Young Construction Professional’, ‘Young Construction Environmentalist’, ‘Young Apprentice in Construction’; and for the first time in CDA history following a high level of entries, a highly commended was presented in the ‘Young Apprentice in Construction’ category.
Rod Benson, Business Unit Manager for Sika, commented: “The CDA aims to support the growth of the construction and property sectors in the North West, and generate opportunities for young people, helping them develop their talent and long-term careers. We share those same values and are delighted to be able to contribute and assist with this celebration of achievements for young construction professionals across all disciplines at this inspirational biennial event.”
Rod, continued: “We’re very proud to support these awards, which will ensure that the CDA, as a not-for-profit organisation, can continue to raise the profile of its activities, and involvement in terms of maximising the potential of young professionals in the construction and property sector.”
The evening began with a presentation from Reid Lewis, chairman at the CDA, who talked about the importance of the awards and the need to support young people within the sector. Reid comments: “Sika’s support as headline sponsor has been invaluable over the past few years, and it was great to see companies across the construction and property delivery chain supporting young people in the sector and getting together to celebrate their achievements. Without Sika’s support these awards would not have been able to go ahead.”
Charlie Dimmock presented highlights of her career and also discussed the need for the effective nurturing of up and coming talent and the importance of skills-based learning.
Charlie, commented: “Nurturing young people, and supporting them as they develop their talent, is critical to any industry, and construction and property is a really exciting sector with a huge variety of professions on offer – including both gardening and roofing. Meeting with the young professionals at the awards, hearing their stories and understanding what it is that drives their passion and career ambitions was a real eye opener. I hope these five talented individuals are just the beginning for future talent coming up the ranks.”
Reid, explained: “The event proved to be an inspiring evening celebrating the very best of young talent in the North West’s construction and property sector and also provided an opportunity to raise funds for our chosen charity, which for 2018 is the YMCA Blackburn. Through the generous donations from supporters and guests on the night we were able to raise a staggering £1,684 and we hope we can continue to raise a larger amount at the next awards ceremony in 2020.
