Member Article

Student?s Building Success

A Sunderland College student is building his way to a better future after being crowned the Chartered Institute of Building, North East student of the Year.

Glen Campbell, 35, from Jarrow, South Tyneside was presented with his award by legendary footballer and former Newcastle United FC manager, Kevin Keegan, at the event at the Marriott Hotel, Gosforth.

The HNC design and construction management student lives with his partner Helen and daughter Erin, both are proud of his achievements within the construction industry.

As well as caring for his family and studying he is currently employed by South Tyneside Homes where he has been putting the skills he has learnt to good use as a site and team manager.

He said: “I was delighted to be presented with the award, it was a fantastic evening and I felt extremely honoured to have been selected when up against what can only be described as a prestigious short list of nominees.”

“I feel myself to be very lucky in that I receive a lot of support in my job from South Tyneside Homes and from the staff at college so I would really like to take this opportunity to thank them for helping me win this award.”

Now in the second year of his HNC course, with the help of South Tyneside Homes, Glen is looking to hopefully further his education by attending university for a year to complete his HND – the equivalent of a full degree.

He currently spends four days a week with South Tyneside Homes and one day a week studying.

Glen said: “The course has been very challenging but has taught me a lot. It covers a vast array of topics related to large scale construction projects including health and safety, employment law and management.

“I’ve spent time working on construction sites around the North East but wanted to undertake training that would allow me to take on more responsibility and help me progress my career within the industry.”

“Enrolling on the course at Sunderland College has helped me do just that with the support of South Tyneside Homes, every day is different and I enjoy being in a position where I can help people. I find it very rewarding and good for the soul.”

Glen’s lecturer at Sunderland College is Gerry Ruffles and he congratulated Glen on his fantastic achievement.

Gerry said: “Glen is a very hard working, determined and ambitious student and very deserving of this award

“He has a clear vision of what he wants to do as a career and we try and support and help him fulfil that ambition.

“We are very proud of him at the college and he is one of the many excellent students from across the North East who come to Sunderland College to further their prospects and careers.

“The HNC course prepares students for top level jobs in architecture, design, construction and project management around the world.”

Glen has received more good news this week after finding out he has been nominated and short listed for the Constructing Excellence in the North East Young Achiever Award category.

Fred Garthwaite, repairs manager from South Tyneside Homes, said: “Glen has shown himself to be hard working, committed, forward thinking and we congratulate him on receiving this award.

“As an employee we’re very happy with him, he has a good understanding of what we need and is able to spot the detail in the undertaking of the projects he has carried out for the company.”

“He is an asset to us and our customers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ian Benet .