Young builders of the future celebrated at York College Construction Awards

The winners gathered with their families, tutors and construction industry leaders to receive their awards at the event in York Sports Club.

Amongst the winners was 18-year-old James Titterington-Colman, from Masham, who picked up the York Guild of Building Award just weeks after triumphing at the 2022 Guild of Bricklayers National Finals in Staffordshire.

He said: “I’m really pleased. It’s great to be recognised for all the hard work. I got a job during lockdown with Chris Sutton Builders, and I asked my boss if I could do an apprenticeship. Everything snowballed from there.

“I think I’ll have a lifetime love of bricks. I Like to keep my hands busy so I think I’ll always be doing something practical.”

James’s tutor at York College, Jon Mellor said he was ‘massively proud’ of his achievement and that he was a great success story.

Other award winners included William Sawyers, 17, of Stockton On The Forest, near York, who was given the Outstanding Achievement award in the Full-time Student category.

“I’m over the moon,” he said. “It’s the first award I’ve won in my life but hopefully won’t be the last. I definitely want to go on to a job in bricklaying; I’ve got a taste for it now.”

The College’s Head of Construction, Ash Stokes said: “It’s worth remembering that the success of our students and apprentices comes thanks to the dedicated team of tutors we have here at College. They’ve recognised the talent and nurtured it to bring out the very best.

“We’ve also built up strong links and partnerships with construction companies throughout the region - many of whom we’re very pleased to see represented here tonight.”

continues...

As well as the award ceremony and dinner, those gathered also heard from guest speaker, Simon Winship, Commercial Director at York-based Persimmon Homes.

York College’s Deputy Chief Executive and Principal, Danny Brett, said: “What a fantastic night. You can see the pride in these young people as they receive their award.

“It’s great to have this night back as a physical event in 2022 after two years of Covid restrictions. It’s really important to celebrate the achievements of these young people because they are the future of the construction industry in our region and beyond.

“Hopefully they will leave here tonight inspired to carry on to successful careers. I’m very proud of the part York College plays in starting them on their path in life.”

The York College Construction Awards 2022 results:

Apprentice Category:

1. Most Determined Student Award - Marlene Lagnado
   Sponsored by Peter Thompson Joinery
   
   
2. Contribution to College Life & Community Award – Charlie Barrie
3. Sponsored by Barratt Homes
   
   
4. Inclusivity/Student Role Model Award – Liam Brooks
5. Sponsored by Persimmon
   
   
6. Outstanding Achievement Award – Ewan Rookes
   Sponsored by Persimmon
   
   

Full-Time Student Category:

1. Most Determined Student Award – Sam Stokes
2. Sponsored by Twenty-Five
   
   
3. Contribution to College Life & Community Award – Joanne Hedge Sponsored by Britcab
   
   
4. Inclusivity/Student Role Model Award – Dylan Milner
5. Sponsored by York Minster
   
   
6. Outstanding Achievement Award – William Sawyers

Sponsored by Historic Property Restoration Ltd

Special Awards

1. York Guild of Building Award - James Titterington-Colman
2. Sponsored by York College
   
   
3. Principal’s Award - Alexandra Long –
4. Sponsored by Simpson
   
   
5. Governors’ Award - Catherine Sayles

Sponsored by NYCTG