A ROOFING and cladding student is hoping to scale the heights of the construction industry after securing a position with a new North East enterprise.
Darlington College student Matthew Frost has been appointed trainee project manager with Shildon-based firm Aspect Facades.
Matthew, 22, of Bishop Auckland, who studied business, ICT and applied science at A level, before taking a degree in business management at Teesside University, said: “My uncle is a project manger and he’d given me some career advice and my granddad was a plumber, which inspired me to want to work with my hands, but I also wanted something that would incorporate my business degree.”
At his weekly football practice Matthew met Dan Parker, managing director of Aspect Fascades, a local roofing, cladding and architectural facade company providing commercial and project management services.
“He told me that he was starting his own business and would be looking for a student project manager, which sounded just what I was looking for,” said Matthew.
Following a successful interview, Matthew secured the role, which also involved enrolling at Darlington College on the HNC construction course.
“The course is great and gives me a lot of confidence because it is taught by tutors who have all worked in the industry,” he said.
Dan, 30, of Bishop Auckland, who also studied a National Certificate and HNC in building studies at Darlington College, added: “I was looking for someone with a lot of hunger to learn and someone who wanted a career not just a job.
“After working for a number of roofing, cladding and construction companies over the years I knew I wanted to start my own business so was looking for a trainee and Matthew fit the bill perfectly; he is spot on, asks the right questions and works hard.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.