Posted: 08/06/16
Building new futures in construction
Proud students on construction-related courses at West Nottinghamshire College have been rewarded for their hard work and achievements over the past academic year.
An awards ceremony for almost 40 students was staged at the college's £7.2 million state-of-the-art construction centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield yesterday (Tuesday 7 June) to mark the end of their courses.
It saw students and apprentices receive a total of 63 awards and certificates in front of proud family, friends and employers for achieving excellence on their courses, triumphing in skills competitions or overcoming adversity.
The event was hosted by Patricia Harman, deputy principal for teaching and learning, who thanked students and their families for their dedication throughout their studies.
Certificates and awards were presented by guest of honour Nathan Brough, regional director of Keepmoat, who also shared his journey with the audience. Chris Mellor-Dolman of Birchwood Price Tools presented the students of the year with prizes from his company and their awards.
Award winners studied on a range of full and part-time courses including brickwork, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing, plastering, electrical installations, and construction and the built environment.
Student of the Year Awards went to Rafal Mataga, 18, (brickwork), Samuel Matthias, 20, (carpentry and joinery), Stefan Hubble, 26, (painting and decorating), Connor Bradshaw, 17, (plastering), Adam Smith, 20, (electrical installations), Gary Etches, 34, (plumbing) and Nicholas Clay, 21, (the built environment).
Pierce Clark was presented with the Award for Endeavour for the outstanding transformation in his character and attitude to work over the past year.
He started the course with additional learning support due to poor behaviour on the schools link course last year. This support was withdrawn at Christmas due to his excellent behaviour. He has had great feedback from the company he visited for work experience and has excelled in all areas, and has since been put forward for an apprenticeship.
Patricia Harman said: “I was very proud to see just how hard this school of learning has worked this year. There was a real sense of pride too, not only from the students, but from their families and tutors.
“The celebration event is a great way to show students that all their efforts don’t go unnoticed and their hard work is duly recognised. It’s also a great way to wish our students who are leaving college all the best for their futures and to encourage those who are returning to college next year to keep up their high standards.”
The event was supported by a range of industry specialists including British Gypsum, Screwfix, City Electrical Factors, Juice Electrical Supplies Ltd, Protrade Mansfield, Neil Shacklocks, Birchwood Price Tools, FG Waltons Plumbing, John A Stephens Ltd, TJ Timber and Joinery Supplies Ltd and Crown Decorator Centre, all of whom donated prizes for student award winners.
