CONSTRUCTION company City Building has rewarded the tradespeople of tomorrow at its annual Apprentice Awards.

Around 180 apprentices across all sectors of the business, including construction, administration, heating and lift engineering, were shortlisted for the awards.

And the top gong was taken by 20-year-old Lee Raeburn for his work in Malawi.

Some 23 awards were handed out at the event, which saw fourth year apprentice painter and decorator Lee named City Building Apprentice of the Year.

Lee, from Castlemilk, was one of two apprentices who travelled to Malawi last year to refurbish and upgrade a medical centre in the country's capital Lilongwe, as part of Glasgow’s links with the country.

He said: “It was great to be nominated for the award but to win it is a really special feeling.

“City Building is a great place to work and the award gives me a great confidence boost to go on and do well in my career.”

The ceremony was hosted by Radio Clyde DJ Diane Knox - Knoxy - at Glasgow City Chambers.

Maureen Burke, chairwoman of City Building, said: “The awards are a great chance for all of us at City Building to celebrate the excellent work being carried out by our company’s emerging talent.

“Lee is a prime example of the type of skilled young tradesperson that City Building is determined to develop and it is important that we take the time to recognise both Lee and the other award winners for their achievements over the past year.

“We’re incredibly proud of our apprenticeship programme and each of the 350 apprentices who are taking part in the scheme.

“Our strong social ethos and commitment to investing in the workforce of the future sets us apart from many of our competitors.”

The shortlisted apprentices were recommended by their managers and went through a rigorous interview process by the management team in order to be selected.

The judges highlighted that Lee is “an outstanding student, driven and very hard working. He always pushes himself further and excels as a team leader.

"Lee was a member of the team from City Building who recently carried out humanitarian work in Malawi and that experience has stood him in good stead with other apprentices.”