The Swansea Bay Construction Support Group (SBCSG) Apprentice Awards has celebrated the outstanding achievements of apprentices, new industry entrants, and future talent across South Wales, with a particular focus on the Swansea, Neath, and Port Talbot regions.
Hosted by Swansea personality Kev Johns at the Swansea.com Stadium, the evening included a three-course dinner and celebrated the many opportunities in the construction industry. It also highlighted success stories and encouraged more people to consider a career in the sector.
Established in 2012, the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group is a non-profit collaboration of contractors working together to provide affordable training and development opportunities. Funded through grants, the group's mission is to help its members reach and maintain professional standards on par with leading national providers. This includes access to subsidised training and support via initiatives such as the Shared Apprentice Scheme.
Awards on the night were presented to standout apprentices from SBCSG member companies, including; ASW Property Services, ASW Scaffolding, CJ Construction Ltd, John Weaver Contractors, Morganstone, Premier Forecourts and Construction, R&M Williams, Spartan Scaffolding Solutions, Swansea Council, Tilbury Douglas and Trust Scaffolding.
Top individual honours were also awarded to celebrate standout achievements on the night. Cory Westermark was named Best Technical Apprentice, while James Swain took home the title of Best Trade Apprentice. This year also saw the introduction of a brand new award – Best Scaffolding Apprentice – which was presented to Kian Godsall.
The event was proudly sponsored by leading names in the construction and training sector, including CITB, Alpha Safety Training, CWIC Scaffolding Academy, PCR Global, and City & Guilds. In addition to the awards, a raffle and auction helped raise money for two local charities, Hands Up for Downs and The Jac Lewis Foundation.
Hands Up for Downs offers vital support to families, carers, and children living with Down Syndrome, ensuring they have access to key services and community resources. Meanwhile, the Jac Lewis Foundation continues to deliver crucial mental health support in memory of Jac Lewis, who sadly lost his life to suicide. Their work includes counselling, education initiatives, and community outreach aimed at fostering resilience and wellbeing.
An estimated total of £2,000 is believed to have been raised on the night, with all funds going directly towards supporting both charities in their ongoing work within the community.
Anthony Thomas, Chair of the Swansea Bay Construction Support Group, said:
“This year’s awards were another fantastic milestone for us. It’s so important to celebrate the achievements of these talented apprentices – they are the next generation of our industry. Events like this not only give them the recognition they deserve but also show just how diverse and rewarding a career in construction can be.”
Euros Griffiths, Training Officer at SBCSG, added:
“Organising our annual awards ceremony was a real privilege. It was a joy to celebrate the success and potential of these hardworking apprentices. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners – you’re an inspiration to others considering a future in construction.”
