Bradfords Builders Merchants awards Weston College students

Three Weston College students have been rewarded for their efforts thanks to a new partnership with Bradfords, one of the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchants.

Connor Lupanko, 16, Conor Vowles-Hodge, 19 and Connor Bailey, 17, were named students of the month in maintenance operations, bricklaying and carpentry at the Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE).

They received certificates and £20 vouchers from Bradfords executive, Chris Hayden.

Maintenance Operations lecturer, Shaun Canniford, said: “This monthly award is a great incentive. It recognises all aspects of student work from attention and attendance to work quality and capability.

“The winners of the monthly prize can then go on to compete for a Student of the Year award.”

The partnership with Bradfords, of Winterstoke Road, sees the CECE gain from competitive rates for building materials and equipment as well as advice, support and training days.

Bradfords has already donated around £2,000 worth of materials and the College is set to save around 30 per cent on material costs.

Bradfords, which has an annual turnover of £150 million, was established 200 years ago and covers the South West, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Bradfords Weston-based Commercial Manager, Ed Finch, said: “We are proud to work in partnership with Weston College and believe the CECE is an excellent facility for learning and developing skills in the construction industry.

“Working closely with the College will allow Bradfords to build relationships with the next generation of trades people and help them make the transition when they leave education.”
Last year the Locking Road-based CECE won a ‘National Training Award’ for South West of England.

It delivers training in a wide range of practical construction skills including: electrical installation, carpentry, trowel trades, painting and decorating, plastering, property maintenance, as well as a range of renewable energy courses.

There are specialist workshops for training electricians and bespoke brickwork and carpentry workshops, as well as a Resource Based Learning Centre and Computer Suites to deliver online learning.

The CECE is also a test centre for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, CSCS, health and safety card.

There is a 100 per cent success rate for Level 2 qualifications with around 70 per cent of CECE students finding work in industry while others use the skills they have developed to enhance their DIY capability.

Director Roger Powell added: “The CECE is going from strength to strength and we are delighted with this new partnership with Bradfords.”

For courses at Weston College call 01934 411 411 or go to www.weston.ac.uk