Pave Aways is celebrating after experienced carpenter Paul Brooke was shortlisted for Mentor of the Year at the 2026 Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards.
For Aaron, the decision to nominate Paul was an easy one. Having benefited from his guidance and encouragement throughout his apprenticeship, he said:
“Paul has shaped the carpenter I’m becoming. He’s shared his skills with patience, encouraged me to keep improving and shown me what it means to take real pride in your work. More than that, he’s been a role model from day one. Nominating him for Mentor of the Year was my way of saying thank you for everything he’s done for me.”
Paul’s own career began with Pave Aways when he joined the company as an apprentice carpenter after leaving school. Decades later, he has come full circle, mentoring eight apprentices and helping to develop the next generation of skilled construction professionals.
Reflecting on his journey, Paul said:
“Apprenticeships have evolved so much since I started. Now, apprentices get to work on really interesting projects with a great mix of hands-on learning and a day at college each week. It’s amazing to think back on how many careers I’ve helped shape over the years.”
Paul’s commitment to developing young talent has seen him share his knowledge, experience and passion for the trade with apprentices over many years, ensuring they build both technical skills and the confidence needed to succeed in the industry.
This year’s Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards attracted a record number of entries, making Paul’s place on the shortlist an outstanding achievement and a fitting recognition of the positive impact he continues to have on those starting their careers.
Pave Aways are sponsoring the Medium Employer of the Year category at this year’s awards ceremony, having picked up the trophy in both 2024 and 2025, making our return as sponsor a fitting opportunity to support and celebrate other employers investing in apprenticeships across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.
Everyone at Pave Aways congratulates Paul on this well-deserved recognition and wishes him the very best of luck ahead of the awards ceremony, which takes place at the Mercure Telford Centre Hotel on Thursday 8 October.