(l-r)Derek McGrath of Nottinghamshire Master Builder Trust, endeavour award winner Nicholas Clay & Julian Walden head of construction

All students who attended the celebration of achievement evening

Brickwork student of the year Natalie Gibson

Built environment student of the year Dale Massey

Carpentry and joinery student of the year Reece Pridmore

Electrical installation student of the year Sam Hall

Painting and decorating student of the year Phil Shiel

Plumbing student of the year Angela Hill

More than 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 12 June).

It saw head of construction and building services Julian Walden handing out certificates to 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 17-year-old Nicholas Clay, who is studying on Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery.  Nicholas’ tutors nominated him in recognition of the progress he has made throughout the year.

Nicholas joined the Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery last September.  Due to his hearing impairment and dyslexia tutors offered support to him in class. 

However, he chose to sort out his own support needs and managed to keep up with all handwritten coursework and engaged in lots of class participation sessions.  His exceptional standard of work was praised along with his commitment to his studies.

Nicholas said: “Last year I was struggling to decide between staying on at school or coming to college.  I’m so glad I chose to study the carpentry course – college is awesome.

“It was a wonderful surprise to win this award and it was great my mum and dad could celebrate with me.”

Julian Walden said: “The celebration event reflected the achievements of so many of our students throughout the year.  It was wonderful to welcome friends and families of our students who were obviously as proud as the teaching staff.

“It was the perfect 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 study to maintain their high standards and hard work.”

Student of the year awards went to Natalie Gibson, Sam Hall, Reece Pridmore, Phil Shiel, Angela Hill and Dale Massey.

Guest of honour at the event was David Overton, managing director of Overton Electrical Services Ltd and college governor.  David attended the college as an apprentice when it was known as West Nottinghamshire Technical College.

The evening’s awards were sponsored by a range of industry specialists including: Crown Trade Paints, Federation of Master Builders sponsored by John A Stephens Ltd and Juice Electrical Supplies Ltd.