Region’s top students celebrated with Shining Star Awards       

Students from The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at this year’s Shining Star Awards.

The annual awards highlight student success within Further Education and Apprenticeships areas offered by TCCG across the South West.

Students studying at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, Duchy College Rosewarne, Falmouth Marine School, Bicton College and Cornwall College campuses in St Austell, Camborne and Newquay were all potential nominees.

Each award saw three candidates shortlisted from hundreds of nominations made by teaching and support staff. The winners received a trophy and the runners-up a certificate of commendation sent to them in the post.

Learner Experience Coordinator Michelle Souter said she “could not be prouder” of the students “for all they have accomplished”.

“This year’s Shining Star Awards was done a little differently to normal as our glittering awards ceremony held at the Eden Project had to be put on hold due to the current lockdown,” she explained.

“This hasn’t stopped us recognising and celebrating all the wonderful successes our students have achieved during their time with us over the past year. I would also like to thank all of the College staff who helped to make this year’s awards special despite challenging circumstances and to our long-time supporter Domino’s Pizza for sponsoring this year’s Student’s Student Award.”

The ‘Overall Winner’, awarded by TCCG’s Governing Body, went to apprentice Jack Eggleston from Cornwall College Camborne.

Jack, who is completing his advanced apprenticeship in Furniture Making alongside working at Samuel F Walsh Furniture, also won the award for Non-Land-Based Apprentice of the year.

Jack’s nominator for the award was Lecturer Robert Searle, who commended his “commitment and skills that he has shown”.

“Jack has put a lot of time in at college, work and home, honing the skills to become a fine furniture maker, working towards his diploma and NVQ,” he continued.

“This has culminated in Jack taking part, firstly in the regional finals of the CITB SkillBuild and winning each heat. He then went on to represent the College at the National Skill Build Championships, Winning Gold in the finals at the NEC Birmingham.”

“This is a great achievement within the industry and Jack’s hard work and dedication have shone through. He is a very worthy winner of a Shining Star Award,” he continued.

Principal and Chief Executive for The Cornwall College Group John Evans, said it was “a privilege to be able to celebrate our incredible learners”.

“Their successes, whether they be academic triumphs, community-focussed good deeds, or overcoming all manner of obstacles to follow their dreams, are an inspiration to us all,” he continued.

“Each learner has an individual story to tell, but they all share a commitment, drive and passion to succeed in their studies. These are traits that will carry them forward as they embark on their adventures into the wider world and their careers, for which I wish them every success.”

John added that learners joining one of the Group’s colleges this year, or those considering upskilling for a new career, should be excited by what’s available on their doorstep.

“With our new highly experienced leadership team, our teaching, training and facilities are going from strength to strength. Whether it’s modern, vibrant learner social spaces, new million pound research facilities, or our commitment to quality teaching, I thoroughly recommend you take a look at what is happening across our campuses. I’m looking forward to welcoming our future Shining Stars and everyone who wants to embark on their first steps towards an exciting and rewarding career.”

For more information on the range of courses available across The Cornwall College Group visit www.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.