As part of an annual celebration of vocational qualifications, former ConstructionSkills apprentice Adam Bushnell was named the VQ Learner of the Year 2012 for the South East.

Bushnell is now up against rival candidates from eight other English regions for the national trophy, the winner of which will be announced by Dr Vince Cable MP, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills this week.

The VQ Learner of the Year Awards, now in their fifth year, is aimed at raising the status of technical, practical and vocational learning and the value vocational qualifications bring to learners, businesses and wider society.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) presents high quality practical and vocational learning equally alongside academic study to ensure young people are offered:

  • Further study, e.g. University or further VQs
  • Greater job prospects and relevant career options
  • Enhanced skills/knowledge
  • Higher pay
  • The motivation and inspiration to help drive forward the UK economy.

Bushnell, a student from Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, showed "commitment, excellence and continued achievement in the field of Bench Joinery" to impress judges. After completing his NVQ 2, ICA, NVQ 3 and ACA in Bench Joinery, Adam went on to win first place in the SkillBuild regional competition in 2007 progressing to the SkillBuild finals in 2008 where he claimed gold.

Consistently a high performer, Adam earned his place on the UK squad of joiners in the 2009 WorldSkills competition, and represented the UK again as the joinery competitor in 2012. Now the manager of his own joinery business, Adam’s success has continued to grow.

On receiving the award for the South East, Adam said: "It feels really great to have won this award. I feel really strongly about promoting vocational learning, and apprenticeships are a brilliant way to progress – learning skills on the job whilst also being paid. I now run my own joinery business, so this award gives further recognition to my achievements and skills, which is also good for business!"

Clare McKenna, apprenticeship officer, CITB-ConstructionSkills said: "I’m delighted for Adam who seems to be going from strength to strength, from SkillBuild to Worldskills and now a VQ Award, it’s fantastic.

"As a young trainee he was an excellent and dedicated learner. He is a gifted joiner and has such a natural aptitude for his craft. Not only that, but he’s very mature and really personable, you really couldn’t ask for a better apprentice.

"At CITB-ConstructionSkills, we’re always looking to attract top talent into construction and Adam is exactly the type of talent the industry needs. He has a great career ahead of him. I’m proud that he was a ConstructionSkills apprentice, we wish him all the best."