A Quantity Surveyor from Cambridge has been named the Chartered Institute of Building’s 2024/25 Apprentice of the Year.
James Monk, 25, who works for Munro Building Services, was picked to receive the accolade from a group of 12 apprentices. After an initial review of submissions, the group was reduced to a shortlist of three, each of whom gave a 30-minute presentation on driving sustainability in the built environment to a panel of CIOB judges on 11 March.
James completed his level 4 construction quantity surveying technician apprenticeship in January 2024 and is now working towards a level 6 degree apprenticeship. The judges said James demonstrated his competence as a quantity surveying technician with a comprehensive understanding of the issues the construction sector faces with regards to sustainability and environmental impact.
They were particularly impressed with his vision for his future career as a commercial manager and how he intends to use that platform to influence how sustainability is embedded in decision-making throughout construction projects.
Alongside the title of CIOB Apprentice of the Year, James’s prize includes an Amazon gift voucher and an invitation to attend one of CIOB’s prestigious graduation ceremonies.
‘An incredible experience’
Reflecting on being chosen as CIOB’s apprentice of the year, James said: “Completing my apprenticeship has been an incredible experience, shaping me into the construction professional I am today. It has provided me with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to take on leadership roles, contribute meaningfully to projects, and continue my professional development. The blend of education and hands-on experience has accelerated my growth, giving me a competitive edge in the industry and opening doors to new opportunities.
“The CIOB Apprentice of the Year award represents not just an achievement but a celebration of the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my career. I hope to inspire others to pursue apprenticeships and experience the same transformative benefits that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy.”
In a recent CIOB survey of 2,000 parents of 16-24-year-olds 43% said they’d prefer their child to “earn while they learn” instead of going to university, while more than three-quarters (79%) said they would be supportive of their child pursuing a construction career.
Steve Conopo, CIOB’s head of apprenticeships, said: “James is a wonderful example of how apprenticeships can provide opportunities to learn and gain professional qualifications while at the same time developing a career and earning a wage. “I and my fellow judges were really impressed with all three finalists but in particular with James’ presentation and the passion and confidence he displayed, and we look forward to following his career.”
Highly commended
Ava Parnell, 22, and James Pratt, 23, who also took part in the Apprentice of the Year final, both received highly commended awards from CIOB in recognition of the professionalism throughout the competition.
Since CIOB launched its apprenticeship programme in 2022, almost 3,020 apprentices have registered to have CIOB facilitate their end point assessment, with around 1,027 having already passed.
Since late 2023 CIOB has also been an approved apprenticeship provider offering apprenticeships at levels 3,4 and 6 with the first wave of learners due to complete their training in 2026.
