Construction giant toasts apprenticeships and skills awards double

Bowmer + Kirkland is celebrating a double success at regional awards which recognise apprenticeships and skills.

Two staff from the construction giant secured honours at the recent East Midlands Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, recognising their outstanding contribution to T Levels and skills development.

Helen Bedford, social value manager for Bowmer + Kirkland’s North Midlands & Yorkshire region, was named Outstanding T Level Ambassador of the Year, while apprentice site engineer, Daniel Burgin was named T Level Student of the Year for the East Midlands.

The awards recognise individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to the development of skills and vocational education across the region.

Helen’s commitment to championing T Levels and supporting students both at Bowmer + Kirkland and across the wider construction industry was recognised by the Department for Education, a major client of the business and the wider T Level community, leading to her nomination.

Helen plays an active role in supporting students through T Level industry placements, mentoring young people and encouraging colleagues to get involved in T Level ambassador activities.

She has helped to strengthen links between education and the construction industry, giving students valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and understand the range of careers available to them

Helen said: “It really is great to be recognised for my efforts in supporting the T Level qualification through work placements and promotion of the T Level course across my region.

“I have some good teams behind me both on site and through our social value team.”

Daniel completed his industry placement with Bowmer + Kirkland’s Industrial & Logistics team on the Somerlea School, Somercotes scheme for the Department for Education while completing a T Level in Design Surveying and Planning at Derby College Group.

Following his placement, he joined Bowmer + Kirkland as an apprentice site engineer with the North Midlands & Yorkshire region, beginning his career in construction while continuing his professional development as part of the company’s popular Construction Degree Apprenticeship scheme.

In a statement, Bowmer + Kirkland said: “His journey demonstrates the opportunities that T Levels can create for young people looking to build a career in the construction industry, combining classroom learning with valuable hands-on experience.”

Many of the company’s T Level students apply for its popular Degree Apprenticeship Scheme which launches in November every year.

For details of Bowmer + Kirkland’s Degree Apprentice Launch Event, which will take place at Derby Museums’ Museum of Making on 18 November, click here.