Martin Barlow named ‘Site Carpentry Apprentice of the Year’ at BIG Awards 2025

Maintenance assistant Martin Barlow was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Trust when he was named Site Carpentry Apprentice of the Year in the Leeds College of Building BIG (Building Industry Greats) Awards 2025. The annual awards, held on 17 September at Elland Road Stadium in Leeds, honoured students and apprentices from the 2024/2025 academic year.

More awards than ever before were handed out, including 44 trophies, with the ceremony hosted by Virgin Radio and LUTV broadcaster Rich Williams, who made sure applause was ringing out across the Centenary Pavilion at Elland Road all evening.

Martin’s achievement demonstrates the hard work, skill, and professionalism he’s demonstrated throughout his apprenticeship journey.

Apprenticeship facilitator Jenny Richmond said “Congratulations to Martin for his fantastic achievement. I just knew he would win, I had the feeling by working alongside him throughout his journey. Martin has an excellent attitude, always giving his all and is a great ambassador within the Trust for apprenticeships.”

Speaking about his success, Martin said “I am very grateful and proud to work for this Trust, and this award isn’t just down to myself, but the entire team for all their amazing support. It was my first time attending an awards ceremony and I feel very happy that all the hard work has been recognised.”

Martin’s story began leaving school with no qualifications and being diagnosed with dyslexia. With a passion and joy of fixing things at an early age, he was encouraged by his parents to attend Dewsbury college, where he achieved an NVQ level 3 in light vehicle/electrical and engineering.

“Leaving college, I got a job as a mechanic with a small family run business.  25 years later I felt I’d done all I could in that trade, from passing my MOT licence, training apprentices, and helping run the garage. My wife saw a job advert for a craft assistant, I attended an interview and had positive discussions with head of estates and facilities Chris Curry and that’s where my journey with the Trust began.”

Martin had been only within the Trust for a short time, where he demonstrated his talents and was offered the opportunity to learn another trade and continue to develop his career further by joining the apprenticeship programme.

“From day one, Chris saw something in me which I’d not seen in myself and has always been very supportive. I looked at which trade the Trust needed me to do the most and picked joinery, where I was paired with my mentor Ian Keys, who was yet another hugely supportive influence.”

Chris Curry added: “I am delighted to see Martin’s contributions recognised, it was totally deserved. He is an exemplary member of staff and his story is a very good success to show how people can change direction in life for different career paths.”

Martin is now preparing to begin his higher-level carpentry apprenticeship in January 2026. Well done Martin, from everyone at the Trust!