Two higher education students at Derby College Group (DCG) have received regional recognition for their commitment to learning by the prestigious Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

Alexandro Justin (21) from Nottingham and Andrew Barron (48) from Lincoln both combine full time jobs with studying for the HNC in Building Services - attending DCG’s Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills college in Pride Park one day a week.

They were nominated for the CIBSE awards by their Building Services lecturer Neil Smith who accompanied them to the presentation dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nottingham.

Neil Smith said: “We are extremely proud of both Alexandro and Andrew who are shining examples of how the future of the Building Services profession is in safe hands.

“Both are part of an outstanding cohort of HNC Building Services students here at Derby College Group and our HE offer won widespread praise at the CIBSE East Midlands awards.”

Alexandro is a higher level apprentice at Watermans Building Services consultancy in Nottingham – coordinating clients’ project designs and leading on professional development for colleagues in the company.

He won the John Hulme Award for Endeavour in recognition of his achievements on the HNC study programme despite having no previous experience in Building Services.

Alexandro is due to complete the HNC this summer and then plans to study for a degree in Building Services at Coventry University – again part time whilst taking on more responsibility for design work at Watermans.

“I started at Watermans on work experience and was delighted when they offered me a higher apprenticeship.

“Juggling full time work with the HNC is hard work but very rewarding and I now have a strong platform to progress onto university to further my career.”

Andrew won the CIBSE Outstanding Achievement award.

He started his career in construction – gaining qualifications and working in plumbing and gas installation before being appointed as a Mechanical Technician at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

He started the HNC as part of a promotion and taking on more responsibility at work.

Andrew said: “The HNC has essentially given me the knowledge of why we do things in Building Services which is fascinating having worked at a practical level in the industry for many years.

“I was incredibly honored to be nominated and then presented with this award and I hope it will open more doors for me to progress further in my career.”

For more information about the HE offer at Derby College Group, please visit www.derby-college.ac.uk

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