PRESS RELEASE

STUDENTS' BUILD ON SUCCESS AT ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION AWARDS

Students, families, staff and employers celebrated the achievements of students based in the city college's Construction and Built Environment faculty at its annual awards ceremony this week.

Over 70 people attended Exeter College's celebratory event that recognised the outstanding achievements of 20 students from across Exeter and the heart of Devon studying a wide range of specialist courses from brickwork to plumbing both part time and full time. The event also acknowledged 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

“At a time when the construction industry is, like many sectors, facing difficult challenges,” said Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College, “it is essential to continue to celebrate the excellent achievement of the students and employers to ensure that the industry continues to be supplied with a highly skilled workforce”.

The Construction Faculty itself has recently added to the existing facilities at its premises at Sowton Industrial Estate with a £1million extension to bricklaying workshops and teaching areas and the event allowed parents and employers to see for themselves the industry standard equipment and facilities.

“It is always difficult to select particular winners,” said Chris Whitaker, head of construction, “since we are very proud of all our students. But there are particular success stories in the past year which show the strength of character of many of our students and these awards celebrate their enthusiasm, commitment and sheer determination to the construction industry and to their studies and training”

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.

Chris Whitaker went on to comment “We have students who have produced excellent work consistently throughout the year both within theory based and practical subjects and always rise to the challenges and targets set. All students contribute to team work and group tutorials and many continue to display a real flair for the industry. Many of our students have potential barriers such as travelling long distances or in some cases having to juggle family commitments as well as coursework and again this event allows us to recognise how many of them go that extra mile.”

The essential support of local employers to the college was recognized with Bennett Plumbing and Heating, Eurotech Group plc, JH Cheffings & Son and Devon County Council 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. Skinner Construction Ltd was singled out for special honours as a double winner for both Carpentry/Joinery AND Painting/Decorating Employer of the Year Awards.

Richard Isaac from Skinner Construction said ” Considering the high standards set by our competitors, we were delighted to have received two awards. We are a great believer in apprenticeships (we currently have five in training) and we are convinced that it builds sound working standards from the outset. We can then build on these skills as a company and eventually offer the best tradesmen to our clients. The more time and money we invest in employing local people can only be a good thing for our company – and for the company to still be here after 125 years I think proves my point!

For more information please contact Sylvia Jarman, Head of Marketing and Communications, 01392 205224 or 07800 745855

Editor's Notes

The full list of winners for the Faculty of Construction Celebration of Achievement Awards 2010.
Professional Studies full time Student of the Year: Ross le Carpentier
National Certificate Student of the Year: Natasha Jones
Higher National Certificate Student of the Year: Sam Chapman
Plumbing 1st year Full-time Student of the Year: James Gorman
Full time Year 2 Plumbing Student of the Year : Jez Hooper
Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (Year 1): David Prynne
Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (Year 2): Michael Spurway
Electrical Installation Full-time Student of the Year: Jack Procter
Electrical Apprentice of the Year (Year 1): Jared Singleton
Electrical Apprentice of the Year (Year 2): Chris King
Electrical Apprentice of the Year (Year 3): Dale Upcott
Carpentry and Joinery Full-time Student of the Year: Bradley Theopald
Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice of the Year (Year 2): Matthew Barker
Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice of the Year (Year 3): Alexander Taylor