Steve Furst, star of the Orange cinema adverts, helped the Mayor of Islington Councillor Barbara Smith to celebrate the stars of local construction companies at the Emirates stadium. <br><br>Nine workers from the construction industry stepped up to receive their awards for being excellent in their chosen field. All the award winners were placed in their first role by Islington Council's Construction Works project which aims to access employment and training opportunities in the ever expanding construction sector. <br><br>Award winner, Michelle Norgan who worked as a city farmer for 12 years, said: <br><br>"I decided to change career and become a plumber but it isn't easy getting an apprenticeship. Thanks to Construction Works, I managed to get a foot in the door and was supported through the whole process. I've been working on site for a large company for the last eight weeks and learning a massive amount."<br><br>Another delighted award winner was 62-year-old construction worker James Mooney who said: "Although construction is the only game I know, I had been out of work for a long time and lost all my confidence. I came across Construction Works and John got me onto a Plant Machinery course. I got my ticket and now I work for Higgins and am back into the swing of things. I'd like to stay here till I retire."<br><br>The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Barbara Smith, said: <br><br>"Congratulations to all the trainees and award winners. It's great to see local people benefiting from the big development projects taking place in the borough.<br><br>"We look forward to supporting many more local people into satisfying careers within the construction industry."<br><br>The project works with local and London employers and funds training for local people to gain skills in a variety of trades.<br><br>Last year the project helped 70 local people gain qualifications within the construction industry and supported 69 people into work. Since the project began in 2003, it has helped 214 people into training and 218 into full-time employement. <br><br>Construction Works is funded by the London Development Agency, the European Social Fund, Business Jobs and Training, Section 106 funding and Homes for Islington. <br><br>Award winners: <br><br>Apprentice of the Year, Dean Miller<br>Plumber of the Year, Jason Burgess<br>Adult Apprentices, Michelle Norgan and Michelle Forbes<br>Trainee of the Year, Sean Maguire<br>Electrician of the Year, Liam O Halloran<br>Adult Learner of the Year, Chris Mooney<br>For Overcoming Adversity, Hanh-Li<br>For Total Dedication, Michael Cataeno<br><br>ENDS<br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009