Downwell is proud to celebrate the success of our enabling works and demolition apprentice, Amber Cox, who has been awarded Student Changemaker of the Year at the prestigious VISTA Awards on 18 June 2026.
Held at the House of Lords, the ceremony brought together outstanding individuals and organisations from across the region to recognise excellence in skills, learning and community impact. With a particularly high calibre of entries across all categories, Amber’s achievement is a significant and well-deserved honour.
A Standout Journey in Construction
Amber joined Downwell straight from school as part of a commitment to developing new and diverse talent within enabling works and demolition, sectors where skills demand continues to grow and representation, particularly among women, remains limited.
From the outset, Amber demonstrated a positive attitude, resilience and curiosity, quickly adapting to the realities of a live construction environment and embracing both on-site experience and formal training.
Through a structured apprenticeship programme combining practical learning, mentoring and academic development, she has progressed rapidly.
Bringing the Apprenticeship to Life
As part of her journey, Amber played a leading role in creating a “day in the life” video, offering an honest and relatable insight into working in enabling works and demolition.
This video formed a key part of her award submission and showcases the enthusiasm, commitment and authenticity that helped secure her recognition as Student Changemaker of the Year.
Watch Amber’s story below:
“My apprenticeship has been awesome. It has opened my eyes to how the industry really works.”
This content not only highlights Amber’s personal journey, but also helps to challenge outdated perceptions of the industry and inspire more young people, particularly women, to consider a career in construction.
Excellence in Learning and Performance
Amber’s accomplishments are both inspirational and measurable.
She is:
- Successfully passing all stages of her college programme to date
- Achieving expected standards across her training
- Demonstrating strong competence and confidence on site
- Building a reputation for professionalism and initiative
Her supervisors consistently highlight her maturity, proactive approach and willingness to go above and beyond, qualities that have made her a valued member of the Downwell team.
Driving Change Beyond the Role
Amber’s recognition as Student Changemaker of the Year reflects the impact she is making far beyond her day-to-day responsibilities.
She is already playing a key role in inspiring others by:
- Representing Downwell at school careers fairs
- Sharing her personal journey with young people
- Encouraging more women to consider careers in construction
Her authenticity and enthusiasm make her a powerful ambassador, helping to reshape how the next generation views construction careers.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Winning Student Changemaker of the Year is a fitting recognition of Amber’s dedication, ambition and impact.
Her journey demonstrates the value of apprenticeships in developing not only skills, but confident individuals who can influence the future of the industry.
