Derby apprentice Harrison named among best young tradespeople in the country

A DERBY apprentice has been named among the best young tradespeople in the country after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Twenty-one-year-old Harrison Priestley, who works for Derby-based DSP (Interiors), is one of just three finalists in the Apprentice of the Year – Interior Trades category at the 2026 FIS Training Awards – just weeks after he was selected to compete in the national final of the SkillBuild drylining competition.

Harrison, who is completing a Level 2 Interior Systems Installer apprenticeship, said he was shocked to discover he had made the final three.

He said: “I genuinely wasn’t expecting it. Getting through to the SkillBuild national final was already a massive achievement for me, so to now find out that I’m one of three finalists for Apprentice of the Year is brilliant.

“It’s been a bit of a mad few months, but it’s really nice to know that the hard work I’ve been putting in is being recognised.

“When I started my apprenticeship, I just wanted to learn as much as I could and get good at what I do. I’m surrounded by people at DSP who have years of experience and I try to take in as much as I can from them.

“I’m still learning all the time, so to be getting this kind of recognition at this stage of my career means a lot.”

The FIS Training Awards celebrate excellence and achievement in the plastering and interior trades, recognising apprentices and students who have excelled during their training, as well as the employers, colleges and training providers helping to develop the next generation of skilled workers.

Aaron Buchan, Director at DSP (Interiors), who nominated Harrison for the award said this latest achievement was further evidence of how much he had progressed since starting his apprenticeship.

He said: “It has been an incredible few months for Harrison and we couldn’t be prouder of him.

“Reaching the SkillBuild National Final was a fantastic achievement, but to now be shortlisted as one of just three finalists for Apprentice of the Year is another huge accolade.

“Harrison works incredibly hard, listens to the experienced people around him and is always keen to improve. Most importantly, he takes real pride in his work, and I think the recognition he is receiving reflects that. He has a very exciting future ahead of him.”

Harrison will now be interviewed by the FIS judging panel on October 5 as part of the final stage of the Apprentice of the Year competition.

He added: “Obviously I’d love to win, but just being in the final three is something I’m really proud of.

“I’ve got the SkillBuild final coming up as well, so there’s plenty to focus on. I’m just going to enjoy it, do my best and see what happens.”

The FIS Training Awards winners will be announced at a special lunch at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on November 24.