A construction industry award scheme, that helps disadvantaged young people build brighter futures for them selves, has kicked off its 2010 programme.

More than 700 employers and training organisations throughout the UK have been contacted by Youthbuild UK, organisers of the Young Builder of the Year competition, inviting them to put forward the names of youngsters who have turned their lives around by learning a trade. In the 11 years since it first launched, the Young Builder of the Year initiative has assisted hundreds of youngsters to overcome the personal and family setbacks that adversely affected their early lives.

John Montague, chairman of Youthbuild UK, and chief executive of TREES, which is the largest social enterprise group in the East Midlands, said: “Most people are defined – to some extent at least – by the jobs they do, and consequently a trade gives a person a sense of self-worth.

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“Youthbuild UK has helped provide many young people, often with backgrounds damaged through no fault of their own, with the foundations on which they can begin to rebuild their self esteem.” The awards are organised in two age groups – 14 to 16-year-olds in education, and 16 to 25 in employment or training – with finalists attending a ceremony at the House of Commons in October. Entries close on July 30.

This year’s prize fund totals £5,000, with up to £1,500 – including tools - going to the overall winner in the older age group, and tools worth £500 going to the school or college attended by the 14-16 age group winner. All applications must be supported by an employer, training organisation, college, or school. Last year’s winner was a young woman who had spent several years in care, overcoming her problems to achieve good GCSE results, and finally deciding as a career as a plumber. She now has an apprenticeship with British Gas.

The 2008 winner was a young man who had been bullied at school and had little support from his teachers. Realising he had no future in the village where he lived he decided to move to his grandmother’s house in Stoke on Trent in order to get a place on a training course. His positive attitude eventually resulted in him gaining a plumbing apprenticeship. Howard Platts, a trustee of Youthbuild UK said: “The awards are a celebration of young people’s achievements in overcoming barriers on their journey through life.”

More details and application forms can be downloaded from the website.