As part of the group’s entrepreneurial spirit, the Construction Development Alliance (CDA) have set out to sponsor a series of awards for the young, up-and-coming members of the local construction community to showcase the very best in the area.
This year, we received a record number of candidate entries, so the quality and level of competition have been very high. We would like to thank all the nominees and congratulate the winners.
The Main sponsor for the Awards Evening was Sika UK.
Our Special Guest Host for this year is Dom Littlewood, known for his TV shows like “Don’t get done, get Dom!”.
The Event raised over £2400.00 for the YMCA Blackburn.
2016 AWARD WINNERS
1. PEARL CAVANEY – WINNER YOUNG DESIGNER
Pearl has enrolled on the A-level Product Design program after leaving school in 2014.
Producing an exceptional design portfolio with excellent ideas, she hopes to develop.
Her ability to analyse questions and conduct extensive research benefits her studies, and she is currently one of the College’s Student Ambassadors.
Pearl continues to show dedication and commitment to her future, which will hopefully see her gain excellent grades and take up her place at Nottingham Trent University for Furniture Design.
2. BOBBY BOLTON – WINNER YOUNG CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL
Bobby has been part of Lend Lease’s company graduate programme since the summer of 2014, where he graduated from Loughborough University with a 2:1 honours degree in Construction Engineering Management.
Bobby produced an innovative tool for measuring materials, delivered as part of a complicated procurement process. He is proactive, going beyond his job description to take on additional responsibilities and teach younger team members to enhance their knowledge and skills. “Bobby is one of the most impressive graduates I have reviewed”, Alan Bates (Lendlease Executive General Manager for Construction in London).
3. LUCY ANDERSON – WINNER YOUNG CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTALIST
Lucy is currently in her second and third years at Sheffield Hallam University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.
Lucy was “Highly Commended” as a Higher Education Student of the Year at the 2016 Generation for Change Constructing Excellence Awards in March this year.
“Lucy has shown interest in a broad range of subjects and understands the importance of a holistic view of environmental issues and solutions. Not only that, but her academic achievement has been exceptionally high in some modules, where she achieved some of the highest marks we have ever awarded.” Suzanne Leckie, Principal Lecturer (Department of the Natural and Built Environment, Sheffield Hallam University).
4. FRANCHESCA HURN – WINNER YOUNG APPRENTICE IN CONSTRUCTION
Frankie initially attended College to study catering. After she finished her studies, she embarked on a 12-week course with the Prince’s Trust.
Frankie was considered an outstanding student whilst at Accrington & Rossendale College, and she has won the BATJIC (Building & Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council) Apprentice of the Year 2016 award, for her outstanding achievements and dedication to the trade.
Frankie has been selected to attend the Prince’s Foundation Heritage course for 2016, a 9-month course culminating at Dumfries House (Prince Charles’ Scottish residence), where she will live and work, learning Heritage skills.
5. JAMES EASTHAM – WINNER OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
James is employed as a trainee health and safety advisor for Eric Wright Construction.
After leaving school, he secured a placement as a joinery apprentice. In 2013, James was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and was told that he required a kidney transplant and, as a consequence, could not continue in a manual job.
By dealing with his illness positively, James has continued to seek new opportunities. Acting as a keen construction ambassador, James attends careers events with both the CITB and within the local community.
Working with the Eric Wright Learning Foundation, James helps to provide training for young people aged 14-16 who want to progress to an apprenticeship in construction. Undeterred, James continues to work hard in the construction Industry.
The Construction Development Alliance are proud of all the students who have been nominated for the awards. It is encouraging to know that so many students have been nominated by their colleges and/or employers. We are excited to see the skills of the upcoming construction professionals.