Leeds College of Building wins a multiple national education awards

Leeds College of Building is still celebrating after winning four categories at the prestigious national BTEC Awards, hosted by Pearson. 

The Awards were: 

• Apprentice Provider of the Year. The award was presented by Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK. 
• Sinead Burke won the BTEC Award for Construction Student of the Year in recognition of their achievement in their subject. The award was presented by George Clarke, Architect and TV presenter.
• Thomas Coleman won the BTEC Award for 19+ Apprentice of the Year. The award was presented by Neil Carmichael, ​Chair of the Commission on Sustainable Learning for Life, Work and a Changing Economy.
• Viren Lad won the BTEC Award for Higher National Student of the Year. The award was presented by Jane Baker, Director of Higher Education Qualifications, Pearson

About the winners

Leeds College of Building has demonstrated excellent promotion of their apprenticeships coupled with great local community engagement. Leeds College of Building’s growth and success can be shown in numbers – they started with only eight apprentices seven years ago. Today, they oversee over 568 apprentices within their faculty, and will continue to grow. Their excellent progression routes and innovative approach to teaching make them a fantastic example of best-practice apprenticeship delivery.

Thomas Coleman is currently a Higher Level Apprentice studying Construction Management at AOne+, who maintain the road infrastructure network in the North. Thomas is a student of great drive and ambition, achieving a Distinction in all his units. He is a true advocate for the apprenticeship route and spends his time informing young adults about this pathway with great energy.

Viren Lad is a student at Leeds College of Building studying for a Higher National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (Civil Engineering) as part of his Higher Level Apprenticeship. He regularly mentors young apprentices, speaks about apprenticeships to children at STEM events and networks with young professionals at events.

Sinead Burke recently completed her Subsidiary Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, achieving the highest grades. She makes every effort to immerse herself in the construction industry, sitting on the MatRICS committee as a Student Ambassador, attending career events and facilitating a workshop for the college’s BTEC students. Sinead is a phenomenal student who excels academically and inspires others around her. She is now studying a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction.

Ian Billyard, CEO & Principal at Leeds College of Building, said:

“We are thrilled to win the ‘BTEC Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2018’ category at the national BTEC Awards, especially given the strength of delivery within the sector. Receiving this outstanding accolade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff at Leeds College of Building, and we are delighted this is being recognised and showcased on a national platform. “Special thanks to the employers associated with the College for their continued support and the opportunities they provide to our students; together we can play our part in supporting industry needs.”

Vicky Patterson, Curriculum Manager for Technical and Professional Apprenticeships at Leeds College of Building, said:

“I am incredibly proud of my team to be named Provider of the Year 2018. We continually try to go above and beyond our normal duties to enhance the Apprentice’s experiences and ensure that we produce the most creative and brilliant young Technicians and Engineers of the future.”

Sinead Burke said:

“I’m so proud to have won this award; both for my college, my employer and myself. I love my job as a quantity surveyor, and the BTEC courses that I’m studying at Leeds College of Building are really helping me to progress in my career. When the college nominated me for the award, I never expected to make it so far – let alone win it!”

Thomas Coleman said:

“This award is an accumulation of a lot of hard work, long hours and dedication over the past 3 years, I wouldn’t change any of it. This is my greatest accolade to date and I am privileged that my recent efforts at work, college and external institutions have been recognised by BTEC. I am extremely lucky to have such great support from my colleagues, tutors, fiancée, Mum and the rest of my amazing family who have all helped me achieve my recent success.”

Viren Lad said:

“I didn’t expect the BTEC award at all, but when I did find out, I was over the moon! I think I won due to the motivation and supportive of the people I have around me, pushing me in the right direction, and for my dedication to my career.”