A construction apprentice from Lincoln has been named the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) 2025/26 Apprentice of the Year.

Mia Owen, 20, who works as an estimator for West Lindsey Landscapes Ltd and completed her Level 3 construction support technician apprenticeship in September 2025, was selected as the winner from a cohort of nine apprentices who entered this year’s competition.  

Following an initial review of submissions, the field was narrowed to three finalists, which alongside Mia also included Eugene Donkin, 23, from Peterborough; and Martha Penney, 31, from Cheshire.

Each finalist delivered a 30-minute presentation to a panel of CIOB judges on Wednesday 11 March, exploring the theme of sustainability in the built environment including innovation, challenges and opportunities and the role sustainability plays in their day-to-day roles.  

The judges, including Rosalind Thorpe, CIOB’s Director of Education and Standards, and Adrian Montague, Director of Academy, said Mia demonstrated a thorough understanding of the brief and delivered a well-prepared presentation, which not only included strong ideas but also ways to practically implement them to bring about positive change.  

They were particularly impressed with Mia’s clear passion for sustainability.

Reflecting on being named CIOB Apprentice of the Year, Mia said: “Completing my apprenticeship has been an extremely rewarding experience, not only personally but also in supporting and opening new opportunities within my career as an estimator. For me, having no experience in the construction industry before, the hands-on training and support from both experienced professionals and the team in my workplace has been invaluable. While I am proud of my personal achievements, I strongly believe they would not have been possible without the trust, guidance and encouragement shown in me by both my employer and my trainers. Their guidance has played a significant role in my development, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given.

“Throughout my apprenticeship, I feel the journey has shaped me both professionally and personally. Overtime, my confidence, knowledge, and ability to take on responsibility have grown significantly, allowing me to contribute more effectively within my role and gain a greater understanding of the industry as a whole.

“The CIOB Apprentice of the year award acts not just as a representation for my achievement but as a testament for my hard work and dedication to the opportunities that have been presented to me. The recognition means a great deal, as it represents the progress I have made since first entering the industry and motivates me to continue developing my skills further. I would hope to inspire future apprentices with my story, to show that the industry is open to anyone with determination to succeed.”

As well as being awarded the CIOB Apprentice of the Year title, Mia was gifted an incredible £500 Amazon gift voucher. The two runners-up were handed a £100 voucher.

Amidst ongoing high-profile debates around student loans and the cost of university education, a recent CIOB survey of 2,000 parents of 16–24-year-olds found that 42 per cent would prefer their child to “earn while they learn” through an apprenticeship rather than attend university.  

Steve Conopo, CIOB’s Head of Apprenticeships, who also judged the event, said: “Mia is a fantastic example of the opportunities apprenticeships can offer. They allow people to gain valuable qualifications while building practical experience, developing their careers and earning at the same time.

“The feedback we get from our apprentices and their employers is that upon completing their apprenticeships they not only have formal qualifications but are ‘work ready’ with plenty of practical experience whether that be for onsite working or office-based roles.

“My fellow judges and I were extremely impressed with Mia and our congratulations go to her. The standard of all nine apprentices that were shortlisted was extremely high, especially the three finalists, and we look forward to seeing how their careers develop.”

Since launching its apprenticeship programme in 2022, more than 3,500 apprentices have registered with CIOB to facilitate their end point assessment.

For more information visit www.ciob.org/learning/apprenticeships