Winning builder Shane lands new job

Fresh from winning the UK’s Young Builder of the Year Award, former carpentry apprentice Shane Evans has just landed a new job as a Building Cadet.
Shane, originally from Llanelli but now living in Ammanford, picked up the national award at the House of Commons just a few weeks ago, after impressing judges with his determination to succeed despite suffering with the debilitating condition Cystic Fibrosis.
He has been employed as an apprentice carpenter on a Shared Apprenticeship Scheme with Carmarthenshire Construction Training Association Ltd for the last three years – including a stint with Carmarthenshire County Council, where he came to the attention of managers who were looking for a new Building Cadet.
The Building Cadetship scheme offers degree-level learning for qualified tradesmen who want to make the move in to management.
Shane will now work towards a foundation phase degree whilst undertaking work-based industry placements.
It is believed that Carmarthenshire was the first to introduce the scheme to the UK, following its development in Australia.
Five Cadets were taken on in 2009.
Two of them have since taken up positions as Building Inspectors within the local authority.
Head of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services department, Phil Lumley, said: “As an authority we are keen to recognise individuals who have gone that extra mile to develop and support themselves under personal difficulties. Shane is one of those people that has demonstrated the kind of commitment we were looking for, and we are really pleased to have him on board.”
Cllr Phillip Hughes, Executive Board Member for Technical Services, said: “Shane has achieved so much in his work and training so far, and it is wonderful that his ambitions continue to grow. We wish him all the very best for the next phase in his career, and will look forward to seeing him qualify at the end of the Cadetship.”