A MANAGER, who is helping keep the largest British Army garrison in the world operating smoothly, has been rewarded for his efforts after returning to college to improve his skills.
Kevin Stewart, who is studying HNC building studies at Darlington College, has been awarded the coveted regional title of Student of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Building.
A delivery manager for CarillionAmey, the company is responsible for providing a housing and maintenance service to UK Armed Forces.
Kevin, of Richmond, who is based at Catterick Garrison, received his prize of a glass trophy and engraved shield at a CIOB North East awards ceremony in Newcastle.
He was judged on his academic excellence, attendance, continual professional development record and commitment after returning to the classroom having worked in the profession for the past 20 years.
He said: “When CarillionAmey offered me the chance to take the HNC I jumped at it and I have really enjoyed the academic and research elements. I had been working for years but had little on paper in terms of a professional qualification. The CIOB has been a brilliant source of information and continual professional development.
“Darlington College has been excellent too and I have learnt so much on what is a fabulous course.”
Darlington College tutor Ian Blackhall said Kevin’s experience and enthusiasm had benefited other students on the course.
“He is a very keen advocate of sustainability and his work is very detailed and well structured,” he said. “His high level of interest comes through well in class and his assignments.”
North East CIOB branch manager Nikki Silcock added: “As a mature student Kevin aleady has a substantial amount of experience behind him but has also performed well academically, having achieved distinctions in all his study modules.
“He has proved himself to be an enthusiastic and dependable learner with a perfect attendance record and is a great role model to his fellow students. The CIOB really values and benefits from student members like Kevin and I am sure he has a bright future in the construction industry ahead of him.”
CarillionAmey managing director Daniel Easthope added: “It’s great that our support to Kevin and his hard work, application and experience have been recognised through this prestigious award. CarillionAmey wants to make sure it has well trained, highly qualified and motivated people to deliver what is a very important service to our Armed Forces.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.