STUDENTS at Edinburgh’s largest college have been honoured for their skills in construction at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Edinburgh’s Telford College awarded students studying the various construction courses at its annual construction prize-giving ceremony which was held as part of the Edinburgh College’s Festival.
The event highlights the unique connection between Edinburgh’s Telford College and the construction industry with many of the awards being sponsored by companies in the sector.
Sharon McCue-Livingstone, market sector manager at Edinburgh’s Telford College, said: “Once again, I have the proud honour to be a part of this annual prize giving ceremony.
“It is a great chance to recognise the successes of our construction students and to also highlight the great connections we have to the construction industry. It also serves as an opportunity for the industry to have a preview to the future talent that is out there.
“The students have all worked extremely hard this year and it is only right that their efforts be recognised.
“We would like to thank all the sponsors and also give big congratulations to all the award winners, we hope they continue to excel in their field and get where they want to go after college.”
Over 200 people attended the ceremony with 40 people attending from the industry from companies including Construction Skills, Morrison Construction, Sandtoft, St Andrews Timber and Building Supplies, Arco Ltd.
Ex-Telford student, Mark Nevin, spoke to the graduates about his experience of winning World Skills 2009 in Canada.
“It was the most fantastic feeling. To have competed against the best young Painters and Decorators in the world was an amazing experience in itself, but to win a gold medal and Best in Nation Award in the trade I love was just incredible.
“My year at Telford was absolutely brilliant. To have been given the chance to learn what I’m capable of, to train with some of the best in the industry and to be part of such a great team was unbelievable. I was so excited to bring home my medal to show to all my friends and family back in the UK.
“I am sure that all of the graduates here tonight have the potential to enjoy similar successes in the future.”
This year saw an additional special recognition award The Construction Skills Award for Outstanding Construction Student of the Year which was sponsored by Construction Skills. It was awarded to wall and floor tiling apprentice student, Matthew Buglass.
Walter Kerr, area delivery manager, from Construction Skills, said: “We are delighted to sponsor and support these awards. It’s so encouraging to see the skills and talent of these dedicated young people coming into the industry and important that students like Matthew get the recognition and encouragement that they deserve.
“We are always trying to attract quality candidates into the industry and work closely with colleges such as Telford College to ensure that these learners get the best possible training and support as they embark on their construction career.”
Students received special recognition in a range of construction courses including heating and ventilation, engineering manufacturing, highways maintenance, wood trades and stonemasonry.
The prize-giving ceremony was followed by a post ceremony reception which was held by Edinburgh Telford’s own hospitality students and was sponsored by George Nicolson (Decorators) Ltd.
Edinburgh’s Telford College, provides a wide range of career related programmes to help learners progress into work or University education. Currently the college has around 17,000 students and 600 members of staff. More information about the college can be found at www.ed-coll.ac.uk.
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