NSCG Brickwork student named as runner up at Young Builder of the Year Awards

NSCG Newcastle College student, Ashley Terry, has been awarded an impressive second place at the Young Builder of the Year Awards, hosted at the Houses of Parliament in London.

The Young Builder of the Awards celebrate the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to succeed in their training or employment within the construction industry.

Ashley attended the ceremony alongside her family, and Curriculum Leader for Brickwork Robbie Legg and Lecturer Gareth Dawson. 

Ashley’s journey at NSCG began in 2023 when she began her Level 1 Diploma in Brickwork, alongside studying for her GCSE Maths and English qualifications, and has since progressed on to the Level 2 Brickwork course.

After being diagnosed with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome at a young age, Ashley has experienced frequent dislocations of her hips, kneecaps and shoulders, causing constant pain and requiring regular medical intervention, including total knee reconstructions.

At ten years old, Ashley was further diagnosed with severe hearing loss, requiring hearing aids and undergoing further surgeries to restore some hearing ability. Ashley persevered to master lip reading, whilst also facing developmental dyscalculia and dyslexia.

Ashley has had to balance her studies with her ongoing health conditions but has flourished in her Brickwork classes, grasping the practical tasks quickly and advancing to complex projects such as cavity wall construction. She has also mastered various theoretical modules such as Health and Safety, Industry Regulations, Construction Principles and Cost Calculations.

Curriculum Leader for Brickwork, Robbie Legg, said: “Ashley’s recognition as runner-up at the Young Builder of the Year Awards is a testament to her resilience and hard work, and celebrating her achievement at the House of Commons was a proud and memorable day for everyone involved.”

“The judges were impressed by her dedication to her studies and her ability to overcome significant challenges. Ashley’s achievements have not only inspired her peers but also sparked important conversations about the future of bricklaying education.

“Everyone at NSCG College is delighted with Ashley’s accomplishments and the example she sets for others.”

Thinking about a career in Construction? Find out about the courses available at NSCG.