I was really pleased to join constituent Liz Gibbs from New Parks at the Young Builder of the Year Awards 2017, where she was highly commended in the 18/24 year age category. I am enormously proud of Liz. Her success is a huge achievement, especially because of all the personal difficulties she has had to overcome.

While she was studying for her Level 1 Diploma, Liz’s mother sadly passed away. Alongside coping with serious emotional stress, Liz had to deal with being unemployed and household bills she could not afford. She later signed on a painting and decorating apprenticeship at Redrow Homes. Liz has gone on to complete her level 2 qualification and is approaching the end of level 3, with a long term plan to eventually run her own business. She clearly has a very bright future ahead of her.

I am determined to do all I can to help Liz and other young apprentices build a better life for themselves, and a better future for our country.