The normal sounds of lathes, machinery and lecturing at the Devon and Exeter Construction Training Centre at Sowton was replaced with the sounds of applause and celebration when over 80 employers, staff, full time students and trainees celebrated the achievements of over 20 winning students and trainees from Exeter and the heart of Devon and 6 employers at Exeter College's Annual Construction Faculty Awards last week.

With guest of honour Stephen Homer from Constructing Excellent Devon and Exeter Club, guests heard from tutors about the students and trainees' achievements on their specialist courses including those on the higher education, full time and apprenticeship programmes.

“It's always a great evening that reminds us all of the fantastic achievements of our students, trainees and employers” remarked Chris Whitaker, head of faculty. “Many of our students and trainees travel a considerable distance to study with us and tonight there have also been some very important stories which show our students' strength of character. These awards celebrate their enthusiasm, commitment and sheer determination to the construction industry, to their studies and training and in many cases to their classmates and employers. We're also recognising the invaluable support of the faculty's award-winning Employers of the Year who provide vital employment opportunities to the students of all ages as they enter a career in the construction industry. Visitors are often surprised at the breadth of courses that take place at the centre and the Awards evening with its 21 student winners truly showcases how wide ranging this sector is.”

Winners included James Monkman, 33, from Okehampton was described as “modest and studious, noted for his generosity of spirit in providing support to other classmates” and Luke Shorland, 18 from Teignmouth, who, despite a difficult employment market, secured a job with Torbay Council showing off his 100% attendance at the centre as just one of his impressive set of results. Tutors also praised Oliver Hawkes, 19 from Crediton, who won Painting and Decorating Full Time level 2 Student of the Year award as “another example of a student who was keen to get involved with extra projects to improve his skills, finding part time decorating work when not in college” and Cameron Trivett, 22 also from Crediton who “was head and shoulders above his classmates consistently producing excellent work in both theory and practical sessions – many ahead of schedule” and a “worthy winner of Brickwork Advanced Apprentice of the Year.”

The evening was a special event for Emma Tyler, 19 originally from Newton Abbot since she was recognised as overall Faculty of Construction Student of the Year. Noting how difficult it had been to choose a faculty winner from all the worthy candidates, Chris Whitaker said of Emma “She is known for her dedication and determination to do well and has always demonstrated a mature, sunny and helpful disposition”. Despite a positive academic history Emma did not receive the faculty award based on her performance alone but her support and positive approach to the broader life of Exeter College was also recognised. In her second year at college Emma took part in a 15,000ft skydive to raise £550 for the college charity, she has always been involved in the learner voice programme helping students influence how the college is run and has been a very positive advocate for the Women in Construction events, being a role model to young girls in schools who may wish to explore a career in construction. Wishing her luck as she now hopes to go onto university to study construction management Chris Whitaker said “Emma is a truly rounded, supportive and proactive student who is a clear role model for others and truly deserves to be our overall student of the year.”

Many of the students have also gained external accolades including Plumbing Apprentice of the Year, Karl Boston, 23 from Kingsteignton, who was praised by the college's external verifier as creating the highest standard of portfolio of work which is now being judged as part of the City and Guilds national Medal of Excellence competition.

“I am delighted to be presenting these awards on behalf of Constructing Excellence,” said Stephen Homer. “We seek to improve the way that the industry does business, both amongst clients, contractors, consultants, specialists and suppliers and to spread a culture of continuous improvement through the industry and therefore an awards evening which seeks to celebrate endeavour and achievement is a perfect event for us to sponsor.”

Many of the winning students are apprentices proving that training to NVQ level while being employed gaining true work experiences is a very positive route into the industry – and many of the employers joined family and friends at the event. One such apprentice was Dan Greenwood, 25, from Silverton winning The Electrical Apprentice of the Year, who prompted his tutor to say “I cannot speak highly enough of Dan, he has been a role model for other to aspire to and has worked extremely hard to produce a first rate NVQ portfolio.”

The essential support of employers to the college was recognized with NG Bailey, Interserve PLC, Devon Contractors, Andrew Clark, Pollington Decorators and Network Rail being awarded Employers of the Year under their various categories in recognition of the essential part they play in enabling the continued success of the vibrant Construction faculty at the College.

“The employer awards are given in recognition of their commitment to the recruitment of apprentices and trainees” said Richard Atkins Principal of Exeter College “They have all supported the training programme, responding to individual apprentice's needs and have invested in training the workforce of the future. I am delighted that, at a time when the construction industry is, like many sectors, facing difficult challenges, this event continues to celebrate the excellent achievements of students and employers. This ensures that the industry continues to be supplied with a highly skilled workforce which means it can respond to the positive demand from important projects such as the East Devon Growth point.”