Posted: 08/06/11
Students build on success at celebration event
Almost forty students on construction-related courses at West Nottinghamshire College have been rewarded for their successes and achievements over the past year.
A special awards ceremony was held at the college's Construction and Logistics Skills Academy in Kirkby-in-Ashfield last night (Tuesday 7 June).
It saw principal and chief executive Asha Khemka OBE handing out certificates to 35 students who have all achieved excellence on their courses, or overcome adversity to be successful in their vocational areas.
The learners study a range of full and part-time courses including brickwork, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating, plumbing, electrical and professional studies.
The award for endeavour was presented to 19-year-old Russell Metcalf, who is studying for the City & Guilds certificate in electrical electrotechnical technology. Russell’s tutors nominated him in recognition of the progress he has made throughout the year.
Russell, from Newthorpe, Nottingham, didn’t have a good experience at school and was constantly in trouble. At the beginning of the year Russell admitted he was struggling to get to college and was getting into debt running a car. He visited the Citizens Advice Bureau, whose debt management advice enabled him to sort out his finances and keep his car on the road, helping him continue to attend college.
An audience made up of students' families, tutors and industry representatives heard that Russell had grown in confidence throughout the year; changing from a shy and sometimes angry person into an enthusiastic and proactive student who passionately engages in lessons and activities.
Tutors recognised how Russell had changed from a disillusioned teenager into a professional young man with morals, values and a positive attitude towards his work.
Russell said: “I’ve never been recognised for anything like this in my life – it’s a completely new feeling. I feel proud and my family are proud and we’ve all see the positive changes in me over the past few months. It’s the little things that have made a difference in me.
“I’m now looking forward to getting an apprenticeship and aiming towards a good career in the electrical industry.”
Associate director of learning for construction and building services, Julian Walden, said: “The celebration event reflected the successes and achievements of so many of our students throughout the year. There was a clear sense of pride, not only from the learners but also from their families and tutors.
“This was a great opportunity to wish those who are leaving college in a few weeks every success in their chosen careers in the construction industry and encourage those who are returning next year to maintain their excellent high standards.”
Guest of honour at the event was Irvin Robinson, chairman of Mansfield 2020, and awards were sponsored by a range of industry specialists.
The full list of sponsors is: Crown Trade Paints, ARG Mansfield Ltd, T J Timber & Joinery Supplies Ltd, Herbert Baggaley Ltd, ConstructionSkills, City Electrical Factors, Screw Fix Direct Ltd, Mansfield Brick Company Ltd, Pegler Yorkshire, Bilbecks (Merchants) Ltd, F G Walton (Plumbers Merchants), Federation of Master Builders sponsored by John A Stephens Ltd.
