Apprentice Site Manager Ruby Lee overcame an exceptional field to be crowned Best Overall Winner at the 2019 Berkeley Group Apprentice Awards.
Ruby, who is based at Berkeley's Kidbrooke Village development, was unanimously backed by the expert judging panel and praised for her commitments to encouraging more women to join the built environment sector.
The Apprentice Awards ceremony took place today at The Bridge Theatre, part of Berkeley's One Tower Bridge development on London's South Bank.
Speaking at the event, Berkeley Group Chief Executive Rob Perrins, said: "Congratulations to Ruby and all of our superb finalists. They are rising stars within our industry and blazing a trail for other talented people to follow.
"These awards showcase the very best of the built environment sector and the hugely talented people who are joining our ranks and shaping our future. It's also a chance to celebrate our industry's fantastic contribution to social mobility. We offer people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to forge a great career and make a positive difference to the world around them.
"If you are thinking about your future career then please do take a look at the built environment sector and the varied and rewarding roles we have to offer."
The full list of award winners include:
Best Plumbing Apprentice - Kian Cleere, H2O Plumbing and Heating Services
Kian has worked at Berkeley's Southall Waterside site since starting his career with H2O, while studying toward his NVQ in plumbing. Judges praised his great attention to detail, positive attitude and communication skills.
Best Electrical Apprentice - Freddie Young, Briggs & Forrester
Freddie is studying his Level 3 Apprenticeship and working at London Dock for St George. Judges were impressed by his determination to master his trade. A self-starter, he moved hundreds of miles from home to begin his training and is always pushing himself to take on new responsibilities.
Best Support Services Apprentice - Jerome Dunnett, Price Building Services
Jerome juggles studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering at London South Bank University with working at Berkeley's South Quay Plaza. He stood out for his capacity to innovate; challenging himself and his colleagues with new ways of delivering quality assurance and testing.
Best Trainee - Danielle Drake, Berkeley Eastern Counties
After nine months in the business as part of the Building Futures Programme, Danielle has secured her place as an invaluable member of her team. She is relied upon by management, who know they can always count on her professionalism and can-do attitude. They now have every confidence she will go far as a Development Manager.
Best Interiors Apprentice - Ashton Clark, Vince O-Brien Plastering
Ashton has come a long way since he started working at Woodhurst Park. He stood out to his managers and our judges as someone whose hunger to learn is really paying off. A team player, he takes a holistic approach to working on site, thinking about safety and site behaviour as well as his work as a plasterer.
Best Exteriors Apprentice - Abdi Shireh, PHD Modular
Abdi is a scaffolder, studying his Level 2 Access and Rigging apprenticeship. He works at Chelsea Creek, where he keeps exceeding expectations. He's already been awarded accolades by his employer PHD Modular and our judges were similarly struck by his hard work and dedication.
Berkeley Division With The Biggest Impact - Berkeley Southern
This division has shown outstanding commitment to promoting careers in the built environment to new audiences. Building life skills and self-confidence amongst young students has had a tangible effect on their career plans; with parents and teachers noticing a real change in their attitude to learning and work.
Best Subcontractor Working With Berkeley Group - H2O Plumbing and Heating Services
Not only are nearly one third of their workforce apprentices, H2O also invest in an impressive monitoring and support programme to help them thrive in their roles. Apprentices have gone on to be promoted to senior roles in the company, which is a testament to this long term approach.
They are also challenging perceptions of the industry, supporting programmes like Women Intro Construction, from which they recently hired a new apprentice.
Best Industry Champion Within Berkeley Group - Stav Aristokle-Hill, Berkeley Capital
Stav is well known for her passionate advocacy of apprenticeships. She's a positive force within the business, and has been instrumental in pioneering Berkeley Capital's unique apprenticeship programme. She ensures that every apprentice joining the REACH programme receive the support they need, while being challenged to succeed in their careers.
Best Apprentice in Berkeley Group - Jasmine Zeinalabdin, St James
Jasmine's infectious energy has earnt her a great reputation within St James. She has balanced studies with working part time as an Administrative Assistant; completing both to the highest standard. She recently graduated with First Class Honours in her degree apprenticeship, but it's her positive attitude and selflessness that has really caught managers' attention.
Best Overall Apprentice - Ruby Lee, Berkeley East Thames
Ruby goes from strength to strength each year, with her performance over the last 12 months being the best yet. She puts her all into her work, with her product receiving near perfect marks in quality checks. Not only is her personal performance outstanding, but she is always striving to set an example to others. A vocal advocate of getting more women into the industry, she has won awards for her mentorship and continues to impress her colleagues with her consistent determination to succeed and inspire.
In 2018/19 just under 10% of all Berkeley Group staff were either apprentices, graduates or formal trainees in early stages of their careers.
Find out more about an apprenticeship with Berkeley Group at https://www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/about-us/careers/berkeley-group-apprenticeship-programme