Liam, one of only two students from the course to be nominated for the Award said: “I didn’t even know I had been nominated so I was shocked when I saw my name on the shortlist. I just got stuck in to what I was doing and completed all of my work on time and obviously it paid off.”
Liam has been on the apprenticeship programme at New College Durham for the past 2 years. He attends College one day a week and works the remainder of the week at housing provider, Keepmoat Homes. Liam said: “I love the way the apprenticeship programme works. I only go into college one day a week and I’ve already gained my Level 1 and 2 NVQs. The practical side of work is something I never could have been taught through a normal college course.”
Arthur Moffat, an experienced joiner at Keepmoat Homes. He said: “It’s been great to be able to use the experiences I’ve had to help Liam begin what I’m sure will be a long career in the industry. I’m retiring in 2014 and so it’s nice to think of Liam as my protégée.”
Gillian Bell, Liam’s work based liaison officer at New College Durham added, “We’ve all been thoroughly impressed by Liam’s commitment to the course, and have seen a massive change in his attitude since he first started with us. He’s really grown up and we thought he deserved to be recognised.”