A North Yorkshire apprentice has been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award.
Arran Barber has been with North Yorkshire Council-owned property consultancy Align since 2022 and currently works as an apprentice architectural technologist.
The 24-year-old has been nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Yorkshire Young Professional Awards, which will be held in Leeds on Wednesday, June 10.
The awards recognise a number of industry sectors and job specialisms with nominations across 13 fiercely contested categories.
Upon learning of the nomination, Arran said:
I’m absolutely honoured to be considered for the award.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Align, who have given me the chance to learn and develop my skills alongside an award-winning, multi-disciplinary team.
I’m enormously grateful that they have given me the opportunity to lay the foundations for what I hope will be a long and successful career in the industry.
I’d like to thank all my colleagues who’ve supported me throughout my time here. This recognition is as much for them as it is for me – I couldn’t have done it without them.
Since 2016, Align has taken on 43 apprentices who have all been offered sponsored training with a progression through to degree level.
During that time, the company’s team of project managers, sustainability experts, architects, engineers and commercial agents has completed more than 1,000 projects across the North of England.
The company’s contribution to the region and its commitment to supporting young people saw it crowned SME Employer of the Year at the 2025 North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
Managing director of Align, Ron Walton, said:
We always put people at the heart of everything we do.
Over the last decade, we are proud to have developed a track record of investing in our employees’ growth and wellbeing, while creating a working environment where people can thrive.
We are delighted that Arran has been recognised in this way and will continue to ensure there is a clear pathway for apprentices and students to learn and succeed.
The Yorkshire Young Professional Awards celebrate outstanding young professionals aged 35 and under from across Yorkshire.
For more information, visit https://www.insidermedia.com/news/yorkshire/highest-ever-number-of-entries-for-yorkshire-young-professionals-awards
