A wealth of achievements were celebrated last night (25 September 2019) at the annual Leeds College of Building ‘The BIG Awards.’
Hosted at Leeds Town Hall, the poignant event celebrates the achievements of students over the 2018/2019 academic year. Winners are chosen not only for their academic achievements, but also for going the “extra mile,” overcoming adversity and excelling in studies or at national competitions.
Special guest and international motivational speaker, Steve Judge, announced 50 awards. The audience was inspired as Steve told his story of a near-fatal car accident that resulted in both his legs being crushed. Steve was told he might never walk again, yet through goal setting, he succeeded in his rehabilitation and went on to become a paratriathlon world champion.
In total, 20 sponsors supported the evening, including Unite the Union, Platinum Print, MKM Building Supplies Leeds Ltd, Stone King LLP and Pacy Wheatley Ltd. Awards included Student of Integrity Award, Outstanding Team Player, Outstanding Contribution to College Life, and Apprentice of the Year.
The top accolade of the night went to student Erneliana (Lili) Daniel from Beeston, Leeds, studying a Level 3 Building Services Engineering Apprenticeship with NG Bailey, who was given the Faculty Outstanding Contribution Award and the highly coveted Governors’ Award.
Lili Daniel said:
“I had such a fantastic evening at the awards ceremony; I was so happy to receive the Faculty Outstanding Achievement Award. I was shocked to see my name on the shortlist for the Governors’ Award and couldn’t believe it when my name was read out! I’m so proud to have won; both awards are a demonstration of a lot of hard work and dedication. I would not have made it this far without the help of my family, friends, college staff, and especially my tutor John Clancy. It’s been a great year for me; I am grateful for having represented the college as a student ambassador. It helped significantly to develop my own professional and personal skills. I’m excited about progressing in my apprenticeship with NG Bailey”.
John Clancy tutor, said:
“Lili is a fantastic student who is not only committed to her studies but the industry as a whole. She has demonstrated maturity beyond her years, representing the College as a student ambassador at various events. She is extremely driven and focused on her future in the industry, her positive outlook shines through and we are confident that she will be a success in her future aspirations.”
Derek Whitehead, CEO & Principal of Leeds College of Building, said:
“I’d like to congratulate all of our students for their hard work and dedication at College and in the workplace. They are ambassadors for our institution and for their chosen profession. The award ceremony would not be possible without the continued support of our fantastic sponsors too, and we want to give special thanks to our headline sponsor, Unite the Union.”
This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of Leeds Building College
