LSBU apprenticeships build on success with construction award win
The apprenticeship team at London South Bank University (LSBU) is celebrating again as another apprentice is named Apprentice of the Year at a major awards event.
Haydetou Gandega-Soumare, a construction management degree apprentice with Tilbury Douglas and a learner on the BSc (Hons) Construction Site Management apprenticeship, took home the prestigious title at the Construction News Workforce Awards 2025.
The awards are among the most respected accolades in the construction sector, bringing together leading employers and recognising individuals who are making a real impact.
Haydetou’s achievement comes after Isha Ahmed’s recent success at the 2025 Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards, marking another proud moment for LSBU apprenticeships.
Haydetou, who is an assistant site manager at Tilbury Douglas, said: "I feel incredibly proud and honoured to have won this award. It feels great to have my hard work recognised and it motivates me to keep growing and contributing to the industry.
“I think the award judges saw my commitment, my willingness to take on challenges and my drive to make a real impact. I’ve always tried to go beyond what’s expected and stay focused on learning and improving.”
Professional and academic excellence
The CN Workforce Awards Apprentice of the Year award celebrates those who have shown exceptional promise, contribution and progression. Haydetou impressed judges with his professional excellence and academic performance, standing out among finalists from top employers including McLaren Construction, Balfour Beatty VINCI, BAM Nuttall, AtkinsRealis and Vinci Building.
His success reflects not only his dedication and growth but also Tilbury Douglas’s commitment to investing in apprenticeships and LSBU Group’s reputation for delivering high-quality, employer-led education.
It reinforces LSBU’s position as a leading provider of construction, engineering and built environment apprenticeships at a time when the sector faces significant workforce challenges and an urgent need for new talent.
“LSBU gave me strong technical knowledge and the confidence to apply it in real situations. The support from lecturers and the practical approach to learning helped me grow both academically and professionally,” added Haydetou.
“The apprenticeship allowed me to learn on the job while gaining a qualification. I built real experience, developed key professional skills and progressed faster than through a traditional route. It’s been the foundation of my early career.”
Sammy Shummo, Group Director of Apprenticeships, said: “Haydetou’s win reflects the strength, impact and quality of our apprenticeship provision across the LSBU Group. Congratulations to Haydetou, his employer and our academic and apprenticeship delivery teams who have supported him on this journey.”