The Duke was able to see young people working on the final stage of a practical construction skills course, supported by Willmott Dixon, who have donated £5000 to enable the young people to learn new skills and refurbish the community centre.

The participants have had support from Trust Trainer, Oscar Liburd and Regional Manager, Angela Miller in learning construction skills, mentoring support from Willmott Dixon representatives, and have been working together to study for the CSCS health and safety test, a requirement to work on most sites.

Richard Freeman, regional...

Christine Townley, Executive Director of Construction Youth Trust has been working in the construction industry since the 70s. Her background as a Civil Engineer and her experience in the industry, coupled with her passion for working with young people, makes her the ideal person to run the charity.

In September 2004,she became only the third staff member of, what was then a small, low-profile construction charity with sparse funding, cramped accommodation and a distinctly modest set of achievements over its 40-year history.

Having trained to be a Civil Engineer in...

It is ten years since I joined the Trust and over that time there have been some significant challenges for young people during a tough recession. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last decade and the opportunities we have helped make for our young people – ten years has taught me we can make a difference and, with the wind behind us, should be able to continue to make a positive difference for more young people as we move into more prosperous times. The Trust engaged with over 7000 young people last year, an increase from fewer than 2000 a year, 10 years ago.

You have helped us...

When Vic Grimes stepped down from running the National Apprenticeship Service at the Skills Funding Agency in March, he was looking forward to taking a long and well-earned break.

After nearly 30 years in harness, the last 20 in senior roles creating and managing high quality apprenticeships and vocational training opportunities , it was time to travel a bit, take care of those odd jobs round the home in Bexleyheath and spend plenty of time pursuing his passion, the leisurely art of fishing. He was sure he could beat his record catch - an 18lb salmon landed a few years ago from...

Andy has taken over the post from Rod Bennion, Chairman of McNicholas and Mabey Group who was Chairman of the Trust for 12 years and on the board for 14.

Andy is the fourth generation of the family to play an active role in the boardroom of Wates Group, one of the largest construction companies in the country, established in 1897. Andy joined the Wates Group in 1995 after spending six years with Costain Construction and John Shreeves & Partners. With an MBA from Roffey Park Business School, he rose to become Managing Director of Wates Interiors, and was appointed to the Wates...

He is now a full-time Maintenance Assistant at The Building Centre, where the Construction Youth Trust head office is based!

Luke took part in two Multi-Skills construction courses with our London team in Hackney and Southwark as part of our Budding Builders programme. Through these OCN accredited courses he went on two site visits with Anglo Holt in Hackney and Lend Lease at One the Elephant which gave him a real insight into health and safety and what it is like to work on a construction site.

After finishing the final course, Trust staff remained in contact with Luke...

Wendy is based within the London team as Training Development Officer, working to support young people through our Budding Builders programme and into employment in construction.

Since 2009, Wendy has been engaged in the development and delivery of Construction Training Programmes, driving the curriculum and quality assurance to award-winning status with Liverpool Habitat for Humanity and Blackburne House in Liverpool. She believes a supportive, disciplined and individually structured learning environment can encourage a student to make discoveries, both intrinsic and extrinsic,...

His departure, which was formerly announced last year, follows a period of remarkable growth in influence and reach for the charity. He handed over to new chairman Andy Wates of the Wates group at his final board meeting last month.

Rod’s period as Chairman has seen the Trust transformed into one of the construction industry’s most effective recruiting vehicles, providing career pathways for thousands of disadvantaged young people and raising the profile of the sector.

Numerous senior industry figures have paid tribute to Rod’s successful steering of the...

The awards, now in its eighth year provides a showcase for the brightest and the best female achievers in the housebuilding and wider construction industries.

The awards were held at The Lancashire County Cricket Club where guests enjoyed a champagne reception, three course dinner and after party once award winners were announced.

The Trust’s brand new corporate video was played on the night and an auction and raffle was held with proceedings donated to the Trust.

Our North West Manager Stuart Hamilton attended the event to receive the giant cheque presented...

The salon based on Store Street near the Trust’s London office provided treatments for customers at a reduced price with 80% of the earnings raised donated to the Trust.

Customers could give a £5 minimum donation for a file and polish and £10 for a wash and blow dry. The evening saw existing and new clients turn up for the event and the evening was a real success raising almost £100 for the Trust. We would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and nominating us as their chosen charity.

We look forward to working with Decadence hair and...