An aspiring site manager who discovered a passion for construction after helping his dad with a house extension during lockdown has been named a housebuilder's apprentice of the year.

Adam Simms, 19, who is currently based at Bellway’s Waterside development at Watford Riverwell,was selected from a cohort of 178 apprentices across the UK.

The apprentice assistant site manager was nominated by his manager and other colleagues who praised his commitment to the job, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.

Adam, who joined Bellway’s North London division in September 2020 after finishing his A-levels, said: “I’m really lucky to be surrounded and supported by so many great people who have themselves won awards for their work.”

Adam was studying for his A-levels when he decided that university wasn’t for him and began to look at apprenticeships instead.

However, it wasn’t until he worked on an extension to the family home that he considered construction as a possible career path.

He said: “I’ve been working in the job for about 18 months now and have loved every minute of it.”

Adam starts work at 7.30 in the morning, to ensure everything is set up for the day and is usually one of the last to leave the site before it’s locked up at 5pm.

He said: “I’m super busy but I really enjoy it. Every day is rewarding and when I go home I tell my dad about everything I’ve done.

“On a Sunday night, I’m looking forward to another week on site.”