Posted 3 November 2018

Back in July we attended the national BTEC awards, hosted by Pearson. The awards recognise and reward the students, teachers, schools and colleges for their exceptional achievements in vocational learning.  

Submitting a nomination is a long process, but we do it because we know what it means to the students. This year we successfully nominated three of our higher apprentices, Sinèad (BTEC Construction Student of the Year), Tom (BTEC Apprentice of the Year over 19) and Viren (BTEC Higher National Student of the Year), all with their own story to tell, ambassadors for the industry and excelling in their courses.  

Sinèad is a phenomenal student who excels academically. Every assignment that she hands in is produced to the highest standard, enriched with examples from her own experience. Despite being the only female in her group, Sinèad leads the way. She has a ‘can do’ attitude and goes out of her way to promote the industry to females. 

Viren is a superb case study for social mobility through education. He has absolutely turned his life around, and it all started with his enrolment on the BTEC course. It has changed his life irreparably. He has also improved the lives of those who know and work with him, as he is such an inspiration and positive influence. 

Tom returned to education at the age of 25, he was hesitant at first, concerned about being a mature student. I am so incredibly proud of Tom, he has excelled academically, vocationally and professionally. He is “changing the world” – and it was his higher apprenticeship that started him off. He is a wonderful example of how an apprenticeship can change the course of your life.  

On the morning of the ceremony we travelled down by train, excited for the day ahead. Speaking to the parents, employers and guests of the winning students you could sense how proud they were. The glitzy ceremony showcased the best of the best, it was great to chat to former BTEC students, including a photo op with Max Whitlock and his Olympic medals!  

The icing on the cake was the College receiving “BTEC Apprenticeship Provider of the Year”. Our apprenticeship team is dedicated to helping apprentices achieve their full potential. We provide support when life isn’t great, and this particular role cannot be underestimated.  

Our apprentices are brilliant, but their journey at College is long, sometimes up to 5 years. During this time it is our duty to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to succeed. If you want to achieve, the HECDM apprenticeship team will help find a way to ‘Make it Happen’. 

This success wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of employers, partners and industry bodies. The College leads the flagship Technician Apprenticeship Consortium, which focuses on developing apprenticeships in building services, civil engineering, quantity surveying and transport planning. Working with professional bodies and employers across the UK,  including WSP, CECA, SCP, CIHT, ICE, Curtins, Adept, Transport for London, N G Bailey, Neville Tucker Ltd, Leicestershire County Council, Arup, Atkins, BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald.  

Nationally the recruitment of apprentices is falling, however at LCB this is not the case, and with apprentices like Sinèad, Tom and Viren, long may this continue; it is also fantastic to have the superb BTEC videos that have been produced as a lasting memory! 

 

Vicky Patterson, Curriculum Manager, Leeds College of Building