A HOUSING boss has won a national award for encouraging female apprentices to build successful construction careers.

Tony Thompson, a manager at social landlord Incommunities, picked up a gong at the 2014 Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) awards.

Mr Thomson was given the award in recognition of his work in visiting schools to lead construction 'taster days', promoting trade apprenticeships as a positive career choice for girls.

He also works as a mentor to make sure the housing group's female apprentices have a supportive work environment.

Susan Laycock, Incommunities’ director of human resources, said: "Congratulations to Tony on this well-deserved award success.

"Tony encourages and supports all apprentices with us. He has been particularly effective in tackling any barriers individuals feel they face and working to build a positive and supportive work environment for every one of our apprentices.

"He has taken a really positive approach to encourage more young people to move into the construction sector through visits and ‘taster’ days in local schools.

"This has led directly to more women exploring trade apprenticeships as a positive career choice."

Mr Thompson, originally a plumber, became the housing group's construction skills training manager in 2008.

He was presented with the Advisor Award by HRH The Princess Royal at a ceremony at the Science Museum in London.

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities Group Chief Executive, said: “This is a fantastic accolade and deserved recognition for the contribution Tony has made towards delivering our award-winning apprenticeship programme.

“Tony works extremely hard to promote opportunities for women in the construction sector and has been very successful in engaging with schools, colleges and training bodies.

“Apprentices are at the heart of our business and Tony plays a key role in sending out a strong message that apprenticeships are open to all.

“His contributions have won him the admiration of trainees, colleagues and peers alike."

And on the same night, Mr Thompson was also recognised at another awards ceremony. He and his colleague, Incommunities’ director Delroy Beverley, were together ‘Highly Commended’ in the male mentor category of the Women in Social Housing (WISH) Awards, held in Manchester.