Barratt North Scotland bricklayer Darias Shade was crowned Scotland’s top apprentice at a prestigious building industry event in Edinburgh yesterday.
The former pupil of Northfield Academy in Aberdeen saw off tough competition from around the country to win the accolade during the Scottish heat of the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) Master Builder Awards
He now goes on to represent his country at the UK final in London on September 15.
There was also success for Moray, when Forres building firm MacGillivray Construction scooped the Scottish prize for best heritage project. It will also represent Scotland in the London final.
The event was attended by high-profile guests including Scots Tory Party leader Ruth Davidson.
FMB carries out an annual search to find the UK building industry’s best apprentices.
Mr Shade, nominated by his employer, was recognised for his high standard of workmanship and a professional attitude towards his work and studies.
He was previously named best bricklayer during his first year at North East College, wile training to become a Construction Industry Training Board “ambassador”.
It was his original intention to study joinery, but once he had picked up a trowel there was no going back.
MacGillivray Construction’s award was in recognition of its refurbishment of an old fisherman’s cottage, parts of which date back 300 years. The project had to start with some urgent reinforcement work to stop the building collapsing.
Now in its 13th year, the Master Builder Awards continue to be widely regarded as a flagship for high-quality building work.
FMB Scotland director Gordon Nelson said: “This is a great opportunity for the FMB to reward the talented apprentices on which the Scottish construction industry will rely in the years to come.
“This award is a testament to their hard work and enthusiasm in their chosen occupation.
“Darias is a shining example of how commitment, dedication and determination can achieve results and we wish him luck in the national final.”
Mr Nelson added: “MacGillivray Construction should feel justly proud of its achievement in winning and we wish the firm every success in the national competition.”