The Growth Company Education and Skills are very proud to announce that Anna Belle has won the Student of the Year Award at Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) Training Awards on Tuesday 22nd November.
The annual awards took place at the Plaisterers' Hall in London and recognised excellence and achievement in plastering and interior trades, celebrating learners and training providers across the sector and was presented by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Nicholas Lyons.
Anna is passionate about pursuing a career in Construction Safety and is bridging the gap in a typically male-dominated industry, experiencing first-hand the barriers that women are still overcoming.
Paul Hatton, Anna’s tutor, said: “Anna has been trying to gain entry into the field of construction but has at many stages come up against sexism and missed out on work with excuses like ‘he is more experienced’.
“From the start of the course she has shown enthusiasm and developed skills beyond the timeline of training, her beading/freehand work was exceptional. She is using every minute of the course to gain as much knowledge and skills as she can to help move her career plans forward.”
Alongside her programme, Anna has volunteered her time and skills helping out at women’s refuges where residents may be uncomfortable having men in their homes.
After receiving the award, Anna said: “I would like to say thank you to the entire plastering department for entering me for the award, and for all the extra support and encouragement I get from our tutor Paul, who is nothing but supportive and informative and has covered any and all queries I've put to him.
“I was, to say the least, flabbergasted when I was made aware I'd been nominated for the award, and for me that was enough to see my hard work being appreciated. I was nominated with fellow amazing students in their respective fields so I am truly humbled to win this award, that will not only help me continue to build my future but also shows just how good the training I've received on the course is.”
Anna is a fantastic student and an inspiring role model for other women who are considering a career in the construction industry, we couldn’t be prouder that she has been recognised. Congratulations Anna!
