Raza Khaliq has been awarded the British Gypsum Learner of the Year award for his work on the level 2 Plastering Diploma.
The British Gypsum Awards cover a range of categories which highlight the development of apprentices; high-achieving students; excellence in training delivery; the work of mentors and others in supporting training; and lifetime contributions to the sector.
The Learner of the Year award is given to the most exceptional learner, nominated by each training provider. Raza was presented with a glass trophy from his tutor Paul Orton during a presentation at the Greater Manchester SkillCentre.
Raza started the level 2 course in August with no prior experience and within just a few months he displayed a profound understanding of the techniques required and created work to an exceptionally high standard.
Raza said: “It has been an amazing journey to be part of the Growth Company. I have learnt a lot and developed my skills throughout my diploma. The structure of the course is fantastic easy to understand and take in. Having my own work bay in the workshop is amazing as it allowed me to see the progress of my work throughout the course. I can’t thank my tutor Paul enough for not only teaching us the course content but also giving us extra tips which have helped me a lot as now I am working as a plasterer.”
Paul Orton said: “Raza excelled within the group, coming from zero prior experience, to producing a consistent high level of work and stretch and challenging beyond the expectations set out within the qualification.
"After completing his qualification, he transitioned into the industry with the help of GC to secure an interview. He then gained experience working with CW Solutions Ltd as a self-employed trainee plasterer, taking on a variety of tasks on site. His attitude, work rate and overall high personal standards he set himself make him the perfect candidate for this award.”
Paul added: “Student recognition reflects our core values, and those of our partners, with Raza being a deserving recipient of this. We wish him the best of luck for his future endeavours and thank him for his high levels of effort and motivation within his study, driving high standards and supporting his peers to do the same.”
Ryan Seeley, Skills Partnerships Manager, said: “British Gypsum’s Thistle Partnership allows us to support learners, entering the trade, right across the UK. As part of our Thistle Partnership offer, we provide colleges with British Gypsum Student of the Year trophies, which ensures the learners who really shine during their training to be given the recognition and praise that they deserve. After meeting Raza to present him with his award, his passion for the trade, focus on learning and developing his skills, and desire to get out into the world and produce good work were immediately apparent, and it was clear to see why he had been selected for this award.
“The Thistle Partnership allows us to work directly with those who are doing the vital work of training the construction work force of the future. The Growth Company have gone above and beyond to not only meet our partnership criteria, but they take every opportunity to get us involved in everything they do for their learners and for the wider industry as a whole.”
