EAST Lancashire students are celebrating after being honoured for outstanding achievements at Blackburn College’s annual Construction Awards.

Daniel Whittaker, 17, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, took the award for the Most Outstanding First Year Level Three Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment Student.

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His tutors said his assignments were of the highest standards and he was a polite and conscientious student.

Daniel, a former St Wilfrid’s High School student, said: “The staff and the teachers really support you. They also support your own interests and make things relevant to the job you want to do.

“I’m encouraged to do more than what’s asked and work with others too.

“Every morning I actually look forward to coming into college – I love the drawing and the practical work, even the maths.

“Next year I’m hoping to apply to university to study architecture.”

Tom Horne Dean, 17, of Heron Close, Blackburn, was awarded the Hanson Electrical Trophy for the Most Outstanding Level Two Electrical Installation Student and Joseph Wrigley, 24, of Kingsway, Accrington, was awarded the Blackburn College Shield for the Most Outstanding Electrical Installation Apprentice.

Tom, who also attended St Wilfrid’s and is now studying for his Building Services Level Three, said: “My tutors have permanently encouraged me and congratulated me when I’ve done well, as well as pointing me in the right direction when I needed to improve.

“In the future I’d like to be site manager. I like working in a team.

“At Blackburn College I’ve been treated like an adult. It’s been brilliant in all areas, both the teaching and the support I’ve received.

“In the future I’d like to be site manager. I like working in a team.”

Joseph said: “The tutors have been great and I’ve managed to get three jobs as a result.

“I’m moving up to Scotland to be a highway electrician as a four year apprenticeship and I couldn’t have done it without Blackburn College”.

Daniel, Tom and Joseph were among 28 students who were presented with trophies and certificates in construction-related subject areas including brickwork, carpentry and joinery, fitted interiors, plumbing, electrical/electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and gas.

Howard Sharples, assistant principal of creative arts and construction, said: “So much has been achieved by these individuals over the year that they deserve to be recognised.

“We’ve had some outstanding results from individuals and whole groups of learners.

“The commitment, attendance and work ethos of the students in their studies is essential for this to happen.

“It goes without saying that the achievements of these students owe much to the dedication and professionalism of our staff, for all their support and guidance throughout the year.”