David, 20, from Cardiff has won a prestigious award at the King’s Trust and TK Maxx and Homesense Awards National Final. He scooped the national L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award which recognises a young person who, having built up their confidence and skills, has overcome barriers to secure and recently start employment or education or training.
On Wednesday, he also attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to meet His Majesty The King, Founder of The King’s Trust, who congratulated the award winners on their achievements.
David was honoured yesterday at the star-studded awards ceremony, hosted by Ant and Dec, and attended by many celebrity supporters and Ambassadors of the youth charity. He was presented his award by Rochelle Humes and Michael Dapaah who joined him at the palace earlier this week.
The King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards honours and celebrates the successes of those who have been helped by The Trust, and those who support them, in the UK and around the world.
The Awards shines a light on the inspirational stories of young people, volunteers and those who support their wider communities. It showcases the impact of The Trust’s work building the confidence and skills needed to get into a job, education, training or self-employment. Many of the winners have overcome significant barriers to transform their lives and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
David has spent much of his life balancing responsibilities as a carer for his mother who suffers from sickle cell disease, and trying to build a career, but struggling to secure stable employment. Supporting his family while trying to build a future for himself wasn’t easy. He knew he wanted to work hard, but without direction or the right qualifications, felt stuck.
“I was facing identity problems, not knowing myself and also just not knowing where to start.”
Through Careers Wales, he found out about The King’s Trust Get into Construction programme. Seeing it as a chance to gain skills, he signed up, enthusiastic to see how this would shape his future.
The programme provided him with hands on training, practical skills, and industry recognised qualifications. David successfully gained his CSCS licence, allowing him to work on live construction sites. He quickly impressed employers with his reliability and dedication, and the experience built his confidence. Working on high profile projects, including a major hospital development, made him feel like he was finally heading in the right direction.
However, his journey into construction wasn’t without challenges. Balancing his caring responsibilities with full-time employment required determination and resilience.
Determined to keep progressing, David is now in university studying criminology while continuing to work in construction. He hopes to develop leadership skills and explore higher level roles within the industry.
“I never imaged I’d be balancing a job and university, but here I am. I’m pushing myself to go further because I know I can do more. I see myself becoming an investor with all my trade skills behind me. I want to build something meaningful not just for myself but for others too. Working gives me a real sense of satisfaction, and I want to create opportunities for people like me.
On winning the L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award, David said: “I never expected to win something like this. There are so many talented people out there, so to be recognised in this way is a real honour. It’s made me realise how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful to The King’s Trust for helping me get here.”
Amelie Fortier-Cyr from L’Oréal Paris said: “David’s dedication to balancing work, education and caring for his mother is nothing short of inspirational. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his resilience and determination that is enabling him to build a bright future for himself. Well done!”.
Presenter and entrepreneur Rochelle Humes, who presented David with his award said: “David’s story is one of sheer perseverance and self-belief. Whilst juggling work, studying at university and caring for his family, he’s built a future for himself through determination and hard work. He didn’t let uncertainty or doubt define him, instead he pushed forward and chose to lead by example staying committed to his goals.”
Actor, rapper and comedian Michael Dapaah, who also presented David with his award said: “David has turned every barrier he’s faced into fuel for progress. His passion, his work ethic, and his focus on using his experience to empower others is incredibly powerful. Getting into fulltime work, studying at university, gaining qualifications, all while caring for his mother. That takes real strength!”
