Scaffolder with Down’s Syndrome wins award for Britain’s top apprentice

By Oliver Pritchard | Daily Star, November 25, 2019

Todd Scanlon was quickly hired after his trial at Martyn Coles saw him impress customers and colleagues with his professionalism and enthusiasm

A scaffolder with Down’s Syndrome has been crowned Britain’s top apprentice. Todd Scanlon was given a trial by company boss Martyn Coles – then quickly hired. Since then the 30-year-old has impressed customers and colleagues with his professionalism, enthusiasm and politeness. And his “boundless energy” and dedication were rewarded this week when thousands of people voted him the UK’s top apprentice in a public vote. 

Delighted Todd said: “It feels great to win the award.”

Martyn, who runs Coles Scaffolding Contractors Ltd in Swindon, Wilts, said: “He has great determination. “He comes in every day and proves people wrong. Winning the award just shows he can do it. “Having him on the site is great, he’s a good presence, all of the customers like him and he’s very polite.

“I know his capability, but he is still proving to be better than whatever expectations we have. Everything you put in front of him he just does.”

Martyn added: “I’m not sure why he won the award, but I think it’s mainly because it is thought people with a disability shouldn’t be in our industry. “He’s just shown that you can do it with the right guidance. He’s just a likeable guy.” Todd, from Swindon, was one of 26 construction workers to pick up a gong at the On The Tools Awards 2019. On The Tools boss Lee Wilcox said: “He’s a credit to the industry.”

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