Gilbert & Gregson Apprentice Crowned Apprentice of the Year

Gilbert & Gregson are incredibly proud to announce that our apprentice, Albie Gladstone, has been named Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2026.

Organised by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements across the county’s business community. Winning this award is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to Albie’s exceptional dedication, technical ability and professional attitude.

Currently completing his Level 2 City & Guilds Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeship through North Hertfordshire College, Albie has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to his training. He has been praised for his excellent attendance, high-quality practical work and strong academic understanding, with his college mentor describing him as a “perfect student”.

Since joining Gilbert & Gregson, Albie has quickly become a valued member of the team, contributing to several major projects, including a large commercial care home development in Harpenden. His enthusiasm for the trade extends beyond the workplace, having independently invested in his own professional tools and volunteered his time to support elderly residents in the local community by carrying out small handyman tasks free of charge.

The award judges recognised Albie’s professionalism on site, his engagement with training and his willingness to go above and beyond, both in his career and within the wider community.

The judges noted that “Albie has made a terrific impact on the organisation – but most significantly that the apprentice development and progression are key to the success of the organisation. Well, done to the entire team! Particularly impressive is Albie’s ability to translate college-based learning into high-quality, compliant work on complex commercial projects, while also contributing positively to team culture and community initiatives. Supported by a business with a deeply embedded apprenticeship ethos, Albie’s progress highlights the transformative power of structured mentoring, opportunity and ambition. This entry clearly illustrates an apprentice who is not only developing into a highly capable tradesperson, but also a future leader within the construction industry”.

The award was presented during a gala dinner at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Welwyn, attended by around 350 business professionals from across Hertfordshire.

Everyone at Gilbert & Gregson is immensely proud of Albie’s achievement. His success reflects not only his hard work and determination, but also our ongoing commitment to investing in apprenticeships and supporting the next generation of skilled construction professionals.

Congratulations, Albie, on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the future.