SURVEYING a bright future is Jonathan Baylie from Stourport on Severn after he won the surveying prize in the Duke of Gloucester's Young Achievers Scheme. Twenty-four years old Mr Baylie gained a scholarship from a major construction contractor to give him the much needed financial support to help him complete a degree from Loughborough University.

He said: "Being from a working class family and with the cost of university fees increasing year on year it was pivotal that I gained a scholarship." Mr Baylie is now working at VINCI Construction UK in Bromsgrove as an assistant quantity surveyor and is responsible for the management of several large subcontract packages valued at more than £7m. However he also uses his time to encourage other young people into the industry. He volunteers with construction industry charity Construction Youth Trust, on its Budding Brunels scheme, which introduces school aged pupils to careers in construction. He has helped to select six school leavers from a college in Birmingham College for a weeks' worth of work experience and also personally mentored two school leavers who were interested in pursuing a career in quantity surveying.

The report from the Achievers Scheme judges said: "Jonathan's passion for construction is inspiring. He clearly has boundless energy, which he funnels in the right direction - working hard to succeed at work, in his role as a construction ambassador for Construction Youth Trust and raising money for The Princes Trust. His enthusiasm is infectious and he clearly has the ability to inspire others. I have no doubt that he could be a powerful advocate for the industry amongst the young. Jonathon's energy, enthusiasm and commitment to developing new talent shone through. Jonathon has taken opportunity with both hands and clearly had a great future ahead of him."

The awards had five categories, design and architecture, construction delivery, engineering, surveying and project management. Winners will each receive a cash prize and a package of support through the Trust, plus development opportunities through a one year mentoring programme to enable them to make an even greater impact in their future careers.