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Hoyland lad Jason Whitehead was the winner of our Young Apprentice award last year and is now building a career in his trade as a bricklayer.
Jason, 19, who studied construction at Barnsley College, is working full-time in Sheffield for Barratt Developments.
He said: “When my mates saw I had won the Proud of Barnsley award in The Chronicle they thought it was good but I did get a bit of ribbing. My employers appreciated it though.
“I was delighted to have won and I got a lot of support from the college and my employer. I’m now working as a sub-contractor to Barratt’s and it keeps me fit and active. What I do is hard work – but it definitely keeps the weight off.”
Last year Jason was also named the UK’s top bricklaying trainee at the national final of SkillBuild, the UK’s largest multi-trade competition. He beat off stiff competition from ten other finalists to win first place in his category at a tense three-day final at Preston College.
Awards were presented on the night by celebrity builder Tommy Walsh. Jason won the gold medal and was crowned Hanson Young Bricklayer of the Year.
He was nominated for the Proud of Barnsley award by his Barnsley College teacher Jonathan Mellor who described him as ‘an exceptional learner.’
This award recognises and celebrates the achievements of young learners during their time on a Young Apprentice scheme. It rewards those who have made the most of their time and who can demonstrate real progress both personally and in their studies.
The winning Young Apprentice will have shown genuine commitment, made a significant contribution, and benefited from practical achievements.
The following points are intended as guidelines only, to help you with your nomination.
- They have demonstrated commitment to their own personal development through learning.
- Made contributions at work that exceeded their employers’ expectations.
- Achieved significant and measurable benefits in the workplace.
- Overcome difficulties to succeed during their Apprenticeship.
The Young Apprentice winner will be someone who is working hard to carve out a career for themselves.
Category Sponsor
With over 300 courses on offer and 7,000 current students, each year Barnsley College is the chosen starting point for thousands of young people and adults across Barnsley and beyond.
From vocational courses to A Levels, part-time to apprenticeships, Barnsley College offers students a huge range of study options taught by expert tutors in excellent facilities. The college also works with some of the region’s largest employers providing exciting career opportunities for apprentices.
Students are welcomed into a friendly and supportive learning environment with all the social and leisure opportunities needed to ensure their time at the college is rewarding and fulfilling.
The Old Mill Lane campus on Church Street houses an array of fully-equipped classrooms, workshops, IT and learning resources. Many of the facilities, such as the kitchens used by catering students and the TV, radio and recording studios are industry standard, giving learners a real taste of what it’s like to work in these fields. The college also boasts a working farm, dedicated Sixth Form College, Sports Academy, theatre and Construction and Engineering Centre.
The college, recognised as outstanding by Ofsted, also now offers higher education courses, providing an opportunity to achieve qualifications up to degree level without having to move away to university, ideal for people worried about finance, or those with family commitments. Courses available include Higher National Certificates and Diplomas in business, construction, health and sport, as well as Level 4 apprenticeships in accountancy, business, engineering and marketing.
Colin Booth, Barnsley College principal, said: “It’s our aim to ensure that all our students reach their full potential during their time with us so that they can go on to achieve their future goals.
“The Proud of Barnsley Awards helps us all to recognise and showcase the wonderful achievements of people in our town and we were delighted to see a number of our students shortlisted and named winners at last year’s event.
“We are pleased to be supporting the event for the second year running and look forward to honouring the winner of this year’s Young Apprentice of the Year Award.”
For further information on courses at Barnsley College please contact 01226 216123, email info@barnsley.ac.uk or go to www.barnsley.ac.uk.
Barnsley’s community spirit makes it a great place to live, work and study and the Proud of Barnsley Awards really help to celebrate the fantastic things
happening in our town, reminding us all to take pride in our successes.
Colin Booth
Principal of Barnsley College
© 2013 Barnsley Chronicle Ltd