A BRADFORD apprentice who overcame a tough upbringing to secure an apprenticeship has been named Young Builder of the Year.

Josh Smith, 17, from Queensbury, won the 14-18 Years category of the national awards run by Youthbuild at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament.

The Bradford College student left school with just one low-level GCSE after a tough childhood due to a difficult home life and behavioural issues.

He grew up in an environment surrounded by drugs and crime, and also had to contend with his mother being diagnosed with cancer.

However he persuaded Archcraft Builders to take him on as an apprentice bricklayer, and has since excelled in his field to become one of Bradford College’s top performers and turn his life around.

He is described by the college as an “exemplary, talented and dedicated student”, and fought off competition from apprentices from across the country to win the prize, which celebrates the achievements of young people who have overcome personal barriers to train and work in the construction industry.

He was presented with a trophy, framed certificate, cheque and tools from award sponsor Toolstation for his win, and all finalists enjoyed a trip on the London Eye.

Josh said: “To win was very unexpected but it was a pleasure to receive the award and it put a smile on the faces of all my family and friends.

“I was excluded from most lessons because of my conduct and was considered a distraction.

“I struggled to learn because I wasn’t allowed in classes and was told constantly that I would never achieve anything or get a job which meant I had very low self-esteem.”

More than 140 people were present at the ceremony, including politicians, senior figures from the construction industry, colleges and training organisations, and Josh was joined by his mother and his tutor at Bradford College, Joe Lumb, who nominated him for the award.

Mr Lumb said: “It was an amazing day with Josh winning and the college also being recognised.

“Youthbuild UK are nationally-recognised, prestigious awards supported by not only some of Britain’s leading house building institutions such as the NHBC as well as companies like Toolstation, Bromford and B&CE charitable Trust and the government.

“I was thrilled for Josh and proud and honoured to collect the award on behalf of the college which recognised the training and dedicated support we provide to young people in enabling them to fulfil their individual potential.”

Mr Lumb also picked up an award on behalf of Bradford College, recognising its ongoing work in giving opportunities to disaffected and disadvantaged young people to train for the construction industry.