Construction Apprentice Highly Commended at Trade Awards

November 10, 2026

NESCol construction apprentice Jack Torrance has been recognised as Highly Commended in the Apprentice of the Year category at the 2026 Trade Awards.

Held at Ardoe House on 30 October, the Trade Awards celebrate the achievements of apprentices, tradespeople, businesses and projects from across the North East’s construction industry.

This year’s event attracted a record number of entries, with organisers Mearns & Gill describing the Apprentice of the Year category as having particularly strong candidates.

Nineteen-year-old Jack was one of three Modern Apprentices studying through NESCol to be shortlisted for the award. Civil Engineering Modern Apprentice Lewis Watt (WM Donald) and Joinery Modern Apprentice Josh Findlay (Malcolm Allan Housebuilders) were also finalists in this category.

NESCol was also represented by Apprentice of the Year winner John Ogston, who studied an SVQ in Carpentry and Joinery at the College while undertaking his apprenticeship with Robertson Construction.

Jack is a second-year Modern Apprentice with Ellon-based JKR Contractors and was delighted to receive the recognition. No stranger to success, he was also a winner at NESCol‘s Go Celebrate student awards in June.

Jack said:

“Working in the construction industry has been a lifelong ambition of mine. I knew that my journey to this point in life was going to be very different from other young people my age. I am an autistic young man, who attended a specialist school and I knew that securing an apprenticeship would be extra challenging.

“I am extremely grateful to JKR for giving me the opportunity to establish a career in the construction industry and believing in me.

“I was delighted to be nominated by JKR for Apprentice of the Year, which was a huge achievement. I was elated to be Highly Commended, and this recognition is validation from my employers and my colleagues that I am enough and with hard work and determination I can and will establish a career in the construction industry.

“I would also like to acknowledge that the support of College staff at both Fraserburgh and Altens has been invaluable. They went above and beyond to ensure I successfully completed the construction course and ultimately secured the apprenticeship with JKR.”

Jonathan Baird, Construction Civil Engineering/Brickwork Instructor Assessor at NESCol, has been working with Jack since the beginning of his apprenticeship, and joined him for the awards ceremony.

Jonathan said:

“It was a proud moment for Jack’s employer and colleagues, his family, the College and Jack himself!

“From the first time I met Jack on site to now, I have seen a big difference in his confidence, ability, self-assurance and personal belief.

“His attendance and dedication at College were outstanding, and his portfolio work is of a very high standard. I have no doubt he will complete his apprenticeship and achieve the successful and rewarding career in construction that he has worked so hard for.”

Liam Wright, Curriculum Manager for Construction, NESCol, said:

“Congratulations to Jack for this excellent achievement. To be recognised in such a competitive category is a testament to the exceptional commitment and professionalism he demonstrates every day. He is a true role model for other Modern Apprentices.

“The success of our students at the Trade Awards, including the three Modern Apprentices shortlisted and John Ogston winning the overall award, highlights the high calibre of talent in the region’s construction sector.

“We look forward to seeing what these apprentices go on to achieve in the future and wish them every success.”

Jack Torrance, Construction Modern Apprentice, NESCol, added:

“I would just like to offer some encouragement to other neurodivergent young people: believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, work hard and don’t be afraid to go for it.

“There will be challenges along the way, but don’t let neurodivergence become a barrier to your dreams. Give yourself the chance to prove what you can do. If you work hard, show resilience, welcome new learning and take every opportunity that comes your way, you may very well just create the career pathway that you aspire to and deserve.

“I know that I am exactly where I am meant to be and I look forward to what comes next in my journey!”

Study a Modern Apprenticeship

A Modern Apprenticeship is an excellent way for anyone over 16 to gain qualifications, develop skills and improve career prospects – all while earning a wage.

Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships at NESCol