Proud Kirklees College Student praised through Plaisterers Student of the Year Nomination

Now in its 8^th year, Shane beat off stiff competition to be picked as a finalist for the prestigious awards and will attend a Gala Awards lunch at Plaisterers’ Hall in London on Tuesday 20^th November, where the winner will be crowned.

Shane has had to overcome a number of hurdles in his educational journey and has also suffered a number of setbacks both physically and mentally after an unprovoked gang attack left him seriously injured. On top of this he is also a single parent to his young son and since the attack has been diagnosed with acute anxiety.

Initially Shane began studying as a mature learner on the L1 Diploma in Plastering and despite his personal circumstances managed to achieve high marks as well as excelling in two trade competitions Skillbuild and Matchfit. His educational journey continued to develop year on year as he successfully gained employment with KNH as a plastering apprentice and went on to achieve his L2 NVQ in Plastering.

“It is remarkable how Shane has turned his life around through hard work and dedication and he is a credit to himself, his family, Kirklees College and his employers KNH. Throughout his time at college we have seen him grow from strength to strength and he is always looking for the next challenge and how he can better himself. He is hoping to enrol on NVQ L3 in plastering in the next academic year, and we are confident he will continue to excel on this course, as he has through his previous study,” said Lecturer Kevin Bryne.

The Student of the Year awards recognises the highest standards of achievement in training and education for those working in the drylining and plastering trade and helps promote the incredible emerging talent who are delivering this artful skill and learning the tools and techniques to become the plasterers of the future.

Shane said of his nomination: “I am so thrilled to have been nominated as Plaisterers Student of the Year because for me plastering is my passion and although this may sound dramatic, I believe it was this, that saved my life. If it wasn’t for the belief that my tutor had in me and the push he gave me to keep going and never give up, even at my lowest point, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. I now have a career I love, a support network I can turn to and the confidence that I have the best skillset to deliver fantastic plastering to professional high standards. I already feel like a winner, no matter what the result is, as I have achieved far more than I ever thought was possible.”

The Lord Mayor of the City of London will present the awards to the winner and will be attended by other finalists as well as industry leaders in the building finishes sector and the interiors sector.