A star stonemason and a top female refrigeration engineer were among the City of Bath College students praised at the College’s annual Celebrating Success Awards.
Students studying a range of different courses attended the plush ceremony at Bath Guildhall, where they were presented with awards and certificates in recognition of their hard work and achievements during the 20011/12 academic year.
Among those receiving awards was stonemasonry student Sam Flintham, who impressed lecturers at the College’s Construction Skills Centre with his natural talent. In the past year Sam has studied Stonemasonry, Stone Carving and also Architectural Stone Conservation, working on the award-winning conservation scheme at Tyntesfield and the restoration project at Woodchester Mansion.
As well as receiving the Stonemasonry Student of the Year accolade, Sam also received a surprise award, when it was revealed he has won a competition run by the Bath Preservation Trust to design a new stone bench for the courtyard at No.1 Royal Crescent.
Sam, from Bath, said: “I was very grateful to receive the award for Stonemasonry Student of the Year and for all of the opportunities presented to me by my tutors and the College. It’s great for students to have their work recognised in this way.
“Winning the competition to design a bench for No 1 Royal Crescent was a fantastic surprise and it’s amazing to think that I will be able to see my design realised in such a prestigious position.”
Another star performer was Emma Oatley, who scooped the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Student of the Year award. Emma, from Bath, was praised by her tutors for consistently being one of the course’s top learners and for holding her own in a predominantly male environment.
Emma, who has also received the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning team’s Trainee of the Year award, said: “I was ecstatic to receive the Celebrating Success award and it was great to get that recognition.
“Refrigeration and Air Conditioning is a predominantly male environment but I’ve always been made to feel very welcome and part of the group.
“My message to any women looking to start in the industry would be to go for it and not be afraid. You may feel you have to work a bit harder to really make your mark, but it’s so worthwhile.”
The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement went to music student Laura Doggett. Laura was nominated for the award for excellent achievement on her College course and for her contribution to the whole of the College through her work for the Students’ Union.
Matt Atkinson, City of Bath College Principal, said: “The College’s Celebrating Success Awards are always one of the highlights of the College calendar and this year’s event was no exception.
“I was delighted to see so many exceptional students recognised for their hard work and achievements and I wish them all the very best for the future.”
