Almost 50 students on construction-related courses at West Nottinghamshire College have been congratulated for their successes and achievements over the past year.

A special awards ceremony was held at the college’s Construction Skills Academy in Kirkby-in-Ashfield this week.

It saw college governor and managing director of Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies – Malcolm Hall – 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, plastering, electrical and professional studies.

Malcolm also handed out the endeavour award to brickwork student Alex Lane who, despite having learning difficulties, has given 100% to his studies while progressing from his foundation studies course through to level 3 in brickwork. He has never let his learning difficulties become a barrier to his learning and is a friendly and supportive person to his tutors and peers.

Head of construction Julian Walden said: “It was an honour to welcome friends and families of our students to the celebration event to show them how proud we are of our students. This annual event is the celebration of the year when we reward our students for their achievements and endeavours.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to wish our students who are leaving college all the best in their chosen careers in the industry and encourage those who are returning next year to study to maintain their professional standards and dedication.”

Student of the year awards went to Liam Jones in brickwork, Sam Bispham in carpentry and joinery, Anna Lodge in painting and decorating, Sam Clayton in electrical installations, Joe Gibson in plumbing, Luke Timons in the built environment and the plastering British Gypsum Learner of the Year was Joshua Flanagan.

The evening’s awards were sponsored by a range of industry specialists including: Bilbeck Plumbing and Heating, British Gypsum Ltd, City Electrical Factors Ltd, J A Stephens Builder Supplies, Crown Trade Paints, Juice Electrical Supplies Ltd, JA Stephens, Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd and Travis Perkins Trading Co Ltd.