People 1st Apprentice Rhys Proctor Named Rising Star at NI Construction Dinner 2026
31st Mar 2026
People 1st is delighted to celebrate the success of apprentice bricklayer Rhys Proctor, who was named Rising Star of the Year at the 2026 NI Construction Dinner, hosted by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF).
Rhys’s award is a proud moment not only for him personally, but for everyone at People 1st who has supported his journey from school leaver to award-winning apprentice.
A past pupil of Craigavon Senior High School, Rhys first joined People 1st at the age of 16 through the organisation’s Skills for Life and Work programme at its Portadown branch. Choosing the vocational route and deciding to learn a trade, Rhys began building the strong foundations of what is already proving to be a very promising career in construction.
With the guidance and support of his Student Support Officer, Ciaran, Rhys chose to specialise in brickwork before progressing his training in an apprenticeship with his employer Neill & Sons and tuition at People 1st’s Construction Training Academy in Nutts Corner, Crumlin. There, under the expert tuition of brickwork tutor Kyle Campton, Rhys quickly stood out for his natural ability, work ethic and positive attitude.
From early on, it was clear Rhys had real potential. His dedication to learning the trade, combined with his practical skill and determination to succeed, made him one to watch. Being recognised as Rising Star of the Year at one of the construction sector’s most prestigious events is a fitting reflection of the progress he has made and the bright future ahead of him.
Rhys’s success also highlights the value of vocational training and apprenticeships in helping young people build meaningful careers in industry. Through People 1st, learners are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, recognised qualifications and the support they need to progress confidently into employment.
People 1st has a long-standing commitment to developing talent across Northern Ireland, and Rhys’s achievement is a brilliant example of what can happen when ability, support and opportunity come together.
Everyone at People 1st is incredibly proud of Rhys and this fantastic achievement. We look forward to seeing where his career takes him next and have no doubt he has a very bright future ahead in the construction industry.
Visit www.people-1st.co.uk to find out more about our construction apprenticeships.
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