Allison Homes apprentice takes home Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Award
Leoni McDougall, an apprentice within our Central region, has been awarded Construction Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards.
Our apprenticeship scheme has been running since 2021 and trained over 30 apprentices in various trades. As part of the scheme, we’ve formed close partnerships with several colleges, including those within Inspire Education Group, such as Peterborough College and Stamford College, where we’re also a sponsor of the innovative Modern Methods of Construction Centre.
Leoni, a Level 2 Bricklaying Apprentice, joined us in September 2025 alongside studying at Peterborough College. The idea of an apprenticeship appealed to her as it offered the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on active construction sites, shadow experienced bricklayers and learn skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.
Immediately, Leoni became a rising star within our company and has now completed her apprenticeship early, finishing the two-year programme in half the time. Over the past year, she has fully immersed herself in our team and watched herself grow, developing a greater appreciation of the skill, planning and teamwork that goes into homebuilding.
Earlier this year, Leoni won the Construction Excellence Award at Inspire Education Group’s Student Awards, was crowned as winner of the regional heat of the Guild of Bricklayers Championship and then came fourth in the national final in Leeds. She also achieved third place at SkillBuild, the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.
Michele Raucci, Build Director at Allison Homes Central, said: “We’re so proud to see Leoni be crowned as a winner at this year’s Peterborough Telegraph Apprenticeship Awards. Her work ethic, dedication and willingness to learn makes her a genuine inspiration for not only her fellow apprentices but our long-standing tradespeople too, and she is incredibly deserving of Construction Apprentice of the Year.
“Leoni represents everything we hope our apprenticeship programme can achieve. She has embraced every opportunity, earned the respect of experienced colleagues and demonstrated that passion, commitment and the right attitude can accelerate both personal and professional development.
“We are incredibly proud to support Leoni as she builds what promises to be an outstanding career in construction and look forward to watching her continued success for many years to come.”
James Whybrow, Vice Principal of Apprenticeships and Higher Education at Inspire Education Group, said: “Watching Leoni grow into such a fearless, highly skilled bricklayer has been an absolute privilege for all of us at Inspire Education Group and Peterborough College. Seeing her hold her own against the very best in national competitions and complete her training early is simply inspiring. She’s proving every day that high standards and passion know no boundaries.
“Her journey highlights exactly why our partnership with Allison Homes is so important. When education providers and dedicated employers work closely together, we give young people the real-world skills, confidence, and backing to build extraordinary careers. Leoni is living proof of what apprenticeships can achieve, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
Allison Homes Web Article: 6th October 2026
