An exec who changed his company's attitude towards young people when he took on six apprentices has been nominated for a national award.

Chris Green joined construction firm Tyneside Home Improvements (THI) in 2020 at a time of turbulence for the business due to the haulage crisis, pandemic and soaring cost of materials.

The 49-year-old quickly understood there was a lack of tradesmen in the industry while the youngest builders, joiners and plasterers at the firm were well into their 30s.

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But Chris, who has been nominated in the Rising Star category of the GGP Installer Awards 2024, had a hard time persuading his colleagues junior staff members would be a valuable asset.

The dad of two said: "When I asked about apprentices, the consensus seemed to be that young people just want to be indoors and push buttons. They aren't interested in learning a trade.

"I was told the first thing they say is, 'What time do I finish?'

"I asked key tradesmen in the business if they would be open to taking on an apprentice, and whilst some were keen, others were apprehensive.

"They wondered if we would get young people who were actually interested in learning.

"But I strongly believed apprentices were vital for the ongoing success of the company."

As a result of Chris' drive THI recruited six apprentices, including two joiners and a plasterer, who have proved invaluable to the firm.

Chris, commercial director at the business, added: "It's hard to explain just how much the younger people have added to our team.

"They've definitely invigorated what was an older and ageing workforce.

"To a certain extent their presence has re-energised our more experienced workers, who are happy to pass on knowledge.

"Overall, it has helped create a more positive culture within our workforce. It is hard to put your finger on why, but it has been a success.

"And the stereotype of the young being lazy clock watchers doesn't exist anymore as the apprentices have shown us how committed and hardworking they can be."

THI currently employs two joinery apprentices, 17-year-old Callum Patterson and Lewis Bramwell, 23.

Two further 17-year-olds, apprentice builder Kane Adams and Owen McClarence, an apprentice plasterer, have also joined the firm.

All apprentices are studying with Gateshead and Tyne Coast colleges, which they attend one day a week.

Charlotte Edgell and Becky Willis are mature apprentices who were already working for THI and are now studying for qualifications in their fields.

Becky, 29, is undertaking a "Senior People Degree Apprenticeship", while Charlotte, 33, has become a business admin apprentice.

Owen said: "I am really enjoying my time at THI. I get along very well with my mentor.

"I am starting to understand that if I am unsure of anything, I just need to ask questions and my mentor is happy to explain. It's a great way to learn.

"I love being on site and getting involved in jobs. I much prefer it to sitting in a classroom.

"It's great having a bit of money in my pocket while studying at the same time."

Becky added: "I see my apprenticeship as a real investment in me as a person and it means a lot.

"I am very much looking forward to bringing my new skills into the work place.The Northern Echo:

"I work closely with the younger apprentices and it's rewarding to see how well they are doing.

"They are very hands-on, practical qualifications, and the apprentices spend a lot of time working alongside more senior tradesman on all kinds of different projects.

"As a result of this, you can see their confidence grow, day by day."

After spearheading the recruitment of apprentices, Chris is now in the running to scoop the Rising Star accolade at the Glass and Glazing Products Installer Awards.

He will find out if he has won at a ceremony at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on March 14.

THI have also been nominated in the "best conservatory or orangery installation" category, for work costing both under and over £35K.

And finally, the firm is in the running for "best heritage installation" after the construction of a stunning conservatory alongside grade II listed period property Carrowcroft in the remote village of Romaldkirk in Teesdale.

The project posed unique challenges including the delivery of materials to the isolated location and ensuring building regulations relating to the historic property were adhered to.

In a bumper year for THI, the firm has achieved CHAS accreditation, demonstrating their health and safety processes meet an excellent standard, and been shortlisted to scoop Installer of the Year at the G23 awards.

Chris, who works closely with managing director Kevin Kerr, added: "THI is a company very close to my heart.

"I left a secure job during a time of global turmoil in order to join the firm, and I haven't looked back since.

"I saw so much potential and scope for development and have very much enjoyed realising this over the past three years.

"As a consumer I have experienced a lack of interest and care by home improvements businesses when I have tried to employ tradespeople.

"All I could see was a huge opportunity to help build THI, knowing that there are always going to be homeowners who want work from an established and reliable company which employs people that care.

"People that care is the key – we want to harness and build upon a culture where our people make us different."

THI operates across a large area which takes in Durham, Stockton, Teesside, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.