Members Spotlight – Youthbuild UK
Introduction
In this, our 3rd Member Spotlight, we turn our attention to a more recent member of Constructure. A charitable organisation, Youthbuild UK (YBUK).
This small charity, established almost 25 years ago, in 2001, seeks to provide meaningful support options, guidance and connectivity for young disadvantaged, disaffected or socially excluded individuals. Focusing exclusively within the construction sector, YBUK shines a light on the plight of those young people that are often referred to as ‘furthest away from the job market’.
Speaking to Constructure YBUK Chair, Ian Davis, commented ‘The work we do at Youthbuild UK is a vital part of allowing those less fortunate and disadvantaged young people to be recognised for their effort, perseverance and ambition to succeed.
The YBUK Chair continued ‘In today’s environment it can be challenging making your first step into employment. If, in addition to that, you have some form of disadvantage it can be even more difficult to get started. Our ambition is to engage with employers and throw a light on employment opportunities for those less obvious individuals, helping both parties achieve their respective goals.’
YBUK Outreach and ambition
With a specific focus on the construction sector and the wider built environment YBUK successfully engages with numerous organisations to develop and improve the chances and opportunities for their targeted young people.
Recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures reveal a significant total of almost 1 Million young people, aged 16-24 that are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)[1]. Such ‘harder to reach’ individuals may often find opportunities harder to come by. When, in addition, other challenges such as family unrest or breakdown, drug misuse, gang affiliation, physical and emotional obstacles occur, it can be even more difficult to find a way out.
By working with a wide cross section of organisations, many of whom interact with and support the needs of the young people characterised above, YBUK seeks to enable and empower organisations to embrace the opportunity to engage with these individuals.
YBUK Engagement with the Construction Sector – Annual Calendar
Each year YBUK delivers a calendar of events that drives its ambition to make a difference to the young people it seeks to help.
The first engagement of the year is the ‘Sponsors and Patrons Reception’. This important event is the means by which YBUK can acknowledge and thank those organisations that provide the essential Sponsorship and Patronage that allow it to undertake its work.
The second event, again occurring annually, is the ‘Building Pathways’ event. This meeting seeks to be a catalyst for change and offers organisations the ability to showcase and share their own, specific, programmes that engage with the ‘harder to reach’ or disadvantaged demographic.
The third intervention is, for many, the most recognisable aspect of YBUK’s work. This is the ‘Young Builder of the Year Awards’. Held annually in the Autumn, the awards offer organisations that employ or engage young people through training or other means, the opportunity to recognise that young person’s achievements.
Sponsors & Patrons Reception
This event, held in March each year, takes place in the impressive ‘River Room’, an opulent room within the House of Lords. The River Room, a part of the building only availably to Charities, is made available to YBUK thought is long-standing, and much appreciated support provided by Lord Lingfield, the noted educationalist and member of the House of Lords since 2010.
This event provides the team at YBUK the ability to offer its appreciation to those organisations details above that underpin its work.
The reception includes past winners and finalists from the 'Young Builder of the Year' awards. These young people will share their stories in brief speeches, often noted as highly motivational and remarkable by guests to the event.
Building Pathways Event
This event, held once or twice a year, provides a platform for organisations in construction, training, support, and individual development sectors to share best practices. It allows attendees to discuss, learn, and assess engagement, training, and project work that may benefit their businesses. This event has successfully facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices, benefiting many employer organisations.
Young Builder of the Year Awards
Considered a highlight of the YBUK calendar, this event occurs in Autumn and is traditionally held in the ‘Terrace Pavilion’ at the House of Commons.
This event, sponsored by former Minister of State for Education, Sir John Hayes MP (South Holland and the Deepings), serves as a platform to acknowledge young people who have started their careers in construction despite facing challenging circumstances and disadvantages.
Acknowledging the achievements of these young individuals has been shown to improve their self-confidence. Furthermore, it often serves as a foundation for them to significantly advance and enhance their careers.
The nomination period for this prestigious award commences in the Spring. Covering two age categories, 14-18 and 19-24, organisations within the construction sector that employ or engage with a young people who have overcome challenges and barriers in their life to be recognised for their achievements. After nominations close, judges assess each nominee based on their experiences. Judges from Sponsor and Patron organisations decide the 'Young Builder' winners in two age categories. Success is also recognised with 'runner-up' and 'highly commended' awards. All finalists are invited to the awards ceremony with family members, their nominating organisation and their supporters.
YBUK Sponsors and Patrons
As a registered Charity, YBUK’s activities are underpinned by a number of organisations that contribute towards the running of its calendar of events (Sponsors) and organisations that provide a contribution in support of our overall work (Patrons).
Without their contributions, YBUK could not continue its work. Recognising this support is vital to the organisation's annual programme.
At the time of writing this spotlight, the organisations that provided Sponsorship to YBUK are:
- National House Building Council (NHBC)
- Toolstation
- Peoples Partnership
- Bromford Flagship Group
- Cyfle Building Skills
- MPB Structures
- The Skills Centre
- Bellway Homes
- Keepmoat
- Redrow
- CONSTRUCT
Organisations that currently support YBUK with Patronage are:
- Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)
- Crawford & Company
- Durkan
- Galldris
- OHOB
- Riverdale Developments
- Johnstone Safety Products (JSP)
YBUK is also fortunate to receive financial support from the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers
Further information
Should you be interested in knowing more about YBUK and its work please get in touch. They can be contacted via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
[1] Office for National Statistics (ONS), published 27 February 2025, ONS website, statistical bulletin, Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK: February 2025
