"You just don’t know where the CITB Awards will take you!"

We spoke to Theo Brogan, winner of last year’s GB Apprentice of the Year category, to find out what it meant to him to win the most prestigious prize on the night, and how the recognition has helped his career in construction.

Theo’s apprenticeship was in stonemasonry with Uppingham Stone. He is now working for Essex based firm, Putney and Wood, as a stone draughtsman.

What did it feel like to be named Great Britain’s best CITB Apprentice?

Winning the most prestigious award on the night was amazing, staggering and quite unbelievable. I was pleased just to be nominated and in the same room with so many other talented apprentices. All the hard work paid off in the end.

How do you think it will benefit your career?

I believe winning the award has already benefitted my career. I secured my first job, and having a nationally recognised award on my CV definitely impressed my employers.

Winning this award has helped to open doors. It’s given me a platform. Now it’s up to me to continue to impress my employers and see where my career takes me.

What advice would you give to other CITB apprentices?

Grab all opportunities that come your way. Apply for all the competitions and awards that the industry has to offer, winning can really help catapult your career. Be enthusiastic in everything you do. Employers find enthusiasm very difficult to say no to.

What did you enjoy about the national awards ceremony?

It was such a privilege to be in a room with such talented future stars of the construction industry. The Merchant Taylor's Hall had the most beautiful stone internal courtyard, rich in carvings, tracery windows and stone balconies. I was in awe of the craftsmanship and the history. It was the perfect venue for a stonemason to be presented with an award. There was a real buzz to the evening, and it felt great to be celebrating the future talent of the construction industry. Good luck to everyone this year.