BCIA President's Blog: Awards - The incredible power of recognition and acknowledgement

Stacey Lucas, President of the Building Controls Industry Association

Earlier this month, we celebrated the best the building controls sector had to offer at the BCIA Awards 2025 ceremony. As usual, it was a tremendous evening but it also got me thinking about the importance of acknowledging innovation and dedication and how award nominations and success can inspire not only the winners but anyone in the industry.

Every single award category was hotly contested and, as the President of the BCIA, I had the very privileged but unenviable task of sitting on the judging panel. It was incredibly tough to choose between the multitude of deserving nominees but it showed me first-hand the huge depth and quality of our inspiring and important industry.

However, even those that didn’t win should take great pride in their efforts and understand that even being nominated and shortlisted is an immense honour. Indeed, even simply being put up for an award can be incredibly transformative. Plus, in a world where competition can be fierce and visibility is critical, awards are more than just shiny trophies – they can be powerful tools for motivation, long-term growth, and credibility.

The importance of validation

Whether winning an award or simply nominated, those participating can often take a significant confidence boost from just being involved. For individuals, this can typically serve as external validation for their hard work, expertise, and impact on the industry – be it their significant involvement in a project or their determination to enhance their development and ensure a brighter future for the built environment.

It's also important to note that receiving acknowledgement of their hard work and dedication can often reassure individuals that they are on the right path in their career – making a huge difference in competitive industries such as ours where self-doubt can be fairly common.

Increased motivation

Recipients or those nominated for awards often find themselves uncovering depths of motivation and drive they never knew they had, too. In fact, simply being nominated and appreciated for their efforts can instil a sense of responsibility to uphold the standard that led to the recognition. As a result, this can often inspire further personal or professional development – leading to a more promising future for the industry in which they work.

Enhanced visibility and credibility

For organisations and businesses, awards can significantly enhance credibility and reputation in the eyes of clients, investors, and others across the industry. The exposure from being named in publications and marketing material promoting the awards and the ceremony can shine a positive spotlight on the organisations participating, even if they don’t win.

No matter if the awards are for innovation, sustainability, customer service, or a particular product, nominations and award wins can often act as third-party endorsements that help businesses attract new clients and build trust.

A competitive advantage

In busy industries such as ours, standing out is absolutely critical. There’s no better way of doing that than by being nominated for, or even winning an award. By serving as a sign of real quality and reliability – key factors in purchasing decisions for money-conscious consumers – awards can help to influence customer choice.

In fact, awards can truly set businesses, organisations, and brands apart from their competition in a highly crowded marketplace.

Employee morale and retention

It’s also worth noting the impact that award success, or even just the honour of being nominated, can have on the business’ employees. Indeed, celebrating the collective success can often see a significant boost to employee morale and productivity.

Furthermore, team members will feel recognised and valued, not only potentially reducing burnout but fostering a positive work culture and improving employee retention rates.

In addition to likely prompting those already in the company to stay, award nominations and success will also have a huge impact on incomings. Those outside the company will be keen to work for an organisation that is having a positive impact on the industry and the environment as a whole.

So, whether winning an award, being shortlisted, or being nominated, this can often be a catalyst for pride, growth, and future success.

Lastly, I’d just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended the ceremony and contributed to what was an amazing evening. No matter if you were a winner or a finalist, you represented the building controls sector superbly and showed just how innovative and inspiring this industry can be. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event and I hope to see all of you there. 

NHBC announces Brickwork and Construction Site Supervisor Apprentices of the Year

House-building apprentices have been recognised at the National House Building Council’s (NHBC) annual graduation ceremony held at its headquarters in Milton Keynes. As a leading training provider for the house-building industry, NHBC’s training is shaping and growing the future workforce.

Ryley McBride, 17 from Whitkirk, Leeds was awarded NHBC Brickwork Apprentice of the Year. Ryley trained at NHBC’s Training Hub in Newcastle and achieved a merit. After struggling in education and finding his GCSEs challenging, Ryley’s will to succeed and resolution to apply himself means he is now building a successful career in construction with Keepmoat.

Ryley said: "Completing my bricklaying apprenticeship with NHBC has set me up for life. I’ve learned the highest industry standards and gained the skills to build quality homes that meet NHBC regulations. The training hub gave me hands-on experience and prepared me for the real world of construction.

“I’d encourage anyone who wants a solid career, good money and a great working environment to go for an apprenticeship. The average bricklayer earns fifty thousand pounds a year. That’s a great wage for me. My goal is to one day run my own company, and this apprenticeship has given me the foundation to make that happen."

Matthew Griffiths, 36 from Poole, Dorset, who works for Bellway Homes, was awarded NHBC Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice of the Year. Joining the construction industry from the armed forces, Matthew has shown excellent organisational and time management skills on site. Holding himself to the very highest standards, he achieved a distinction in his apprenticeship.

Matthew comments: “After serving in the RAF for ten years, I was ready for a new challenge and a more settled family life. I wanted a hands-on career where I could stay active, so I initially explored carpentry but soon realised my skills were better suited to site management.

“The NHBC apprenticeship has been a learning curve and the support and training have been incredible. It’s given me the confidence and qualifications to progress and I’ve recently stepped into an assistant site manager role.

“For anyone thinking they’re too old to change careers, don’t hesitate. I’ll be working until I’m 70, so why not spend those years doing something rewarding. There are so many opportunities in house building, great pay and the opportunity for career progression. I’m now aiming for my Level 6 NVQ with NHBC. If you’re feeling stuck in your job, an NHBC apprenticeship is an achievable and life-changing step into a new career."

Also recognised at the ceremony were Toby Egan, 23 from Cambridge, who works for Taylor Wimpey, and Romana Brodzinska, 34 from Seacroft, Leeds, who works for Watkin Jones and Son. Toby was commended for his dedication, resilience and tenacity, achieving a distinction grade for his NHBC Brickwork Apprenticeship and Romana was recognised for taking a highly organised, communication-led and proactive approach to her NHBC Construction Site Supervisor Apprenticeship. Both received a highly commended award.

Romana comments: "When I started in house building, I never imagined it would turn into such a great career path. Thanks to NHBC’s apprenticeship, I have gained the skills and knowledge needed to progress and now I’m on track to becoming a site manager.

“I’d absolutely encourage more women to consider taking up or changing to a career in house building. There’s a huge need for more women to come into the industry. Women bring a different perspective, strong organisational skills and attention to detail that makes a real impact. NHBC provides top-tier training and support, making it the best choice for anyone looking to grow in this field. The opportunities and the career prospects are great."

Speaking at the ceremony, Darryl Stewart, who is responsible for NHBC’s Training Hubs and apprenticeships programme, said: “Congratulations to all the apprentices recognised today, we are truly proud to be supporting the next generation of home builders.

“Apprenticeships are a great path to a rewarding, well-paid career; they are also a great way for builders to grow a skilled workforce. In most cases training costs are fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and generous CITB grants are also available. Combined with NHBC’s immersive programmes where apprentices typically complete in just 14 to 18 months and many with merits or distinctions, there has never been a better time to be or take on an apprentice.”

In November 2024, NHBC announced it will be supercharging house-building training with a £100m investment in a new national network of multi-skill apprenticeship training hubs. These will help address the house-building industry’s growing skills shortage by producing an additional 3,000 skilled and site-ready tradespeople each year.

For more information about NHBC’s apprenticeships, visit Apprenticeships | NHBC.