College student presented with the British Gypsum Trophy

A TRAINEE plasterer has been rewarded for sticking to his studies.

Darlington College student Ryan Connolly has been presented with the British Gypsum Trophy after being nominated by his tutors for his ability and effort.

The Level 1 plasterer began his studies last year after leaving Darlington School of Mathematics and Science.

He will return to college in September to study the next level as he begins to fulfil his dream of one day becoming a property developer.

His tutor Ian Trevarrow said: “From the 26 students on the course he was by far the best and thoroughly deserves the trophy awarded by our materials supplier British Gypsum.

“It’s great to see a young man with a plan and I have every confidence in him fulfilling his goal of becoming a property developer.

“It’s a great time to learn a trade. When I checked recently there were 1,500 vacancies nationally for plasterers, 300 of which were in the North-East so there is a lot of work out there.”

Ryan added: “I became interested after watching a plasterer work in my home. I had a go during a college taster day and loved it. It’s brilliant to get the award and I was really shocked. I am looking forward to starting college again to learn more about the trade.”

For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.