Bricklaying apprentice Leoni McDougall named Construction Apprentice of the Year

A young bricklayer is celebrating after picking up one of the top honours at a regional awards night. Leoni McDougall, an apprentice with housebuilder Allison Homes Central, has been named Construction Apprentice of the Year at the Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards.

The award caps a remarkable year for Leoni. She had already won the Construction Excellence Award at Inspire Education Group's Student Awards, took first place in the regional heat of the Guild of Bricklayers Championship and went on to finish fourth in the national final in Leeds. She also placed third at SkillBuild, the UK's largest multi-trade skills competition for construction trainees and apprentices.

Leoni chose the apprenticeship route because it offered hands-on experience on live building sites and the chance to learn alongside experienced bricklayers, picking up skills that simply can't be taught in a classroom. Her employer praised her work ethic and dedication, describing her as an inspiration to new apprentices and long-serving tradespeople alike. Allison Homes has run its apprenticeship scheme since 2021, training more than 30 apprentices across a range of trades.

For the construction industry, stories like Leoni's matter. With skills shortages continuing to put pressure on the delivery of new homes and infrastructure, apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to bring talented young people into the sector and give them a long-term career.

Leoni's success is a great reminder of what a career in construction can offer, and we look forward to seeing what she builds next.

Source: Peterborough Telegraph