A teenager who battled bullies and was repeatedly told by teachers that he would "amount to nothing" has proved his success by scooping a prestigious national award.

Project Management trainee Phil Heraty is celebrating after he was crowned Youthbuild UK's Young Builder of the Year at the House of Commons yesterday (Tuesday 28 October).

The 17-year-old, from Fegg Hayes, Stoke, managed to turn his life around and secure the award with the help of Project Management Training - which offers work-based learning to young people.

"During my time in school I was bullied and most of my lessons were disrupted," said Phil.

"I always knew that I wanted to work as plumber but when I left school I wasn't sure which way to turn or how to find work. I left home and went to live in the city centre with my nan."

Phil was introduced to Project Management Training through his local Connexions service last year and hasn't looked back since. He applied for an E2E (Entry to Employment) placement and soon began the life-changing course.

"Project Management Training gave me stability and structure; I spent some time plumbing and painting, but also got to try my hand at engineering, as well as developing my numeracy and literacy skills," he said.

"My confidence and independence grew by the day and everyone treated me with respect and as an individual - something I had never experienced before."

During this tailor-made training and life-coaching programme, Phil was given the opportunity to complete a work experience placement with a local plumber. Proving such a success, the teenager was then offered an apprenticeship.

"I didn't think things could get any better, but receiving the Youthbuild UK's Young Builder of the Year award was brilliant - a real personal achievement for me," said Phil.

"The fact that everyone at Project Management Training believed in me gave me the confidence and determination to succeed, and I am now looking forward to my future."

The Youthbuild Awards, sponsored by the National House-Building Council, ConstructionSkills, Aspire Housing and the TREES Group, aim to encourage young people who have chosen a career in the construction industry.

Sinead Butters, Group Chief Executive of Aspire Housing Group said: "Earlier this year, Aspire Housing welcomed Project Management Training into its group, signalling unequivocally our joint intention to invest in developing training and employment routes for excluded young people in North Staffordshire.

"Phil is a leading example of someone who had real potential but wasn't given the training, work experience or support to fulfil his goals.

"He has done remarkably well and worked extremely hard to make something of his life. We would all like to congratulate Phil and wish him every success for the future."