From Lego builder to award-winning joiner – Josh Slack crowned top apprentice 2026
A TEENAGE joiner who turned a childhood passion for building Lego into a promising career has been named Apprentice of the Year at the Bishop Auckland College Group’s Student Awards Night.
Josh Slack, 17, took home the prestigious accolade at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, capping off a remarkable 20-month journey that saw him transition from a full-time college student to an invaluable asset at national contractor Fortis Vision.
Josh said: “I had a letter through the door saying I had been nominated. When we went to the town hall, my name was on the board. I was a bit shocked to be honest, but I ended up winning, and everyone was cheering and clapping.”
Josh began his journey at Bishop Auckland College on a full-time joinery course before securing an apprenticeship that would accelerate his career.
Kate Stockton, the college’s Relationship Manager, said: “Within just a month, an apprenticeship opportunity became available at Fortis Vision. Thanks to his hard work, dedication, and commitment in the classroom, Josh was selected to take part in a trial.
“He impressed throughout and successfully secured the apprenticeship. Since then, he has continued to prove himself as an outstanding apprentice, going from strength to strength.
“Winning this award is a testament to Josh’s hard work and the incredible asset he has become. We are immensely proud of everything he has achieved.”
At Fortis Vision, Josh quickly progressed to working on major national projects alongside his mentor, Alan Collinson.
He has worked on everything from hanging fire doors and erecting stud walls to cutting truss roofs for hotel refits and student accommodation higher risk buildings (HRBs) nationwide.
“I go to work every day, always early, I stick in and try to do the best I can, and I don’t leave things unfinished or to a bad standard,” Josh said.
His interest in the trade stems from helping his parents, Emma and Andrew, in the audience on the night, with DIY and delivering kitchen sets for his uncle, combined with a lifelong love of complex Lego builds, including a McLaren F1 car and the Millennium Falcon.
He said: “It is a bit harder to build these things, but I enjoy this more than anything. “Fortis Vision has been amazing. They have helped me get started by buying tools for me. Thank you to everyone, but in particular managing director Nikki Todd for giving me a chance and believing in me.”
Now nearing the end of his Level 2 apprenticeship in joinery and carpentry, Josh has set a high benchmark for future trainees at the company.
Nikki, the Managing Director at Fortis Vision, said: “Josh is the epitome of everything we have created. He is an exceptional talent and a lovely young man.
“He will now be in full-time employment for the business, and we will look to get his site manager qualifications in.
“This achievement reflects Josh’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to developing his skills within the construction industry.
“Since joining Fortis Vision, he has consistently demonstrated an excellent attitude, a strong work ethic, and a genuine willingness to learn, along with being very well respected by his colleagues.
“At Fortis Vision, we are proud to invest in apprenticeships as part of our long-term commitment to developing future talent.
“Josh should be extremely proud of this award. It is thoroughly deserved and is a credit to both his own hard work and the support provided by his college and colleagues.”
