LONDON—November 9, 2007

City Building carpenter Mark Lynch fought off competition from hundreds of apprentices around the UK to be crowned as the Apprentice of the Year 2007. Mark won the accolade at this year’s Master Builder of the Year Awards, presented by expert property developer and TV presenter Sarah Beeny, for his exceptionally high standards of workmanship, commitment and fantastic attitude.

Twenty-year-old Mark, from Glasgow, has been carving out the career of an exceptional apprentice carpenter from an early age and now works full-time at City Building, who had no hesitation in taking him on at the end of his apprenticeship.

“Mark is quite imposing in stature, but mild mannered. All his work is first class, he is consistent and reliable, but modest and gets on well with everyone he comes in contact with,” said City Building Development Manager Gavin Hay. “Mark is very articulate for his age and mature in terms of his career development. I put his success down to the fact that if he doesn’t know something he asks or find out. That way in time he’ll know it all.”

Selected as Scottish region apprentice delegate at the UCATT National Conference in Torquay, Mark addressed the conference on the need for greater investment in training by companies for the future of the industry and he received the loudest ovation of the week.

The Apprentice of the Year is run in conjunction with the Master Builder of the Year Awards, which is organised by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the UK’s largest building trade association. The Award acknowledges outstanding apprentices and helps to highlight the importance of apprentices to the future of the industry.

Mark has demonstrated a high level of skill in carpentry and joinery and triumphed over hundreds of other apprentices to win Apprentice of the Year 2007, which is supported by ConstructionSkills and Screwfix Direct.

Speaking at the Awards ceremony, FMB director general, Richard Diment said: “We at the FMB are committed to ensuring that talented and committed apprentices are given the recognition they so rightly deserve. Mark has all the quantities we want to see in all apprentices, including a commitment to their trade and employer, along with an interest and determination to continue to learn. The construction industry’s future will be assured through the development of young people such as Mark Lynch.”

“Our congratulations go to Mark for this well-deserved award, but also our thanks go to Karen Fleming at City Building who appreciated Mark’s excellent work,” added Richard.

Mark wins the top prize of £1,000 and Mark and Karen each win a luxury all inclusive weekend break for two at any of the UK Paramount Group of Hotels.

Media Enquiries
Please contact Mel Brookes, City Building’s Marketing Manager in the first instance on +44 (0)141 1287 1956, +44 (0)7734 597296 or e-mail melanie.brookes@citybuildingglasgow.co.uk

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