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Students rewarded for excellent work

30/06/2010

Ben CollopYear in Industry Regional Semi Finals - Thursday 24th June 2010
 
Local student Ben Collop, 19 from Wadebridge scooped the Bandvulc Environmental award at this year's event held at Plymouth University.   Ben beat 80 other Year in Industry students through his involvement in a project for Network Rail which could have massive environmental benefits, reducing impact to local communities, as well as potentially helping the company to save up to £390 million.   The judges (Paul Gilbert, Manufacturing Advisory Service (South West) and Nina Skubala, Environmental specialist at Business Link) felt that Ben’s project stood out as a clear winner  and were impressed that a Year in Industry student was able to influence the long-term thinking of a major company, and to put climate change and the need for adaption firmly on their radar.   

Mike Smith, Ben’s manager at Network Rail, said that Ben’s work has created the platform to investigate future strategic decisions for the business.   “The impetus that this project created has allowed the debate on our longer term route strategy to be opened up now. It has been a pleasure to support Ben and to encourage his development. He is a real asset to the team,” he said.
 
Bandvulc has been associated with the Year in Industry Scheme for many years in presenting its own environmental award.   Patrick O’Connell, MD, said: “Within our commercial tyre recycling and fleet management solutions we have developed extensive energy conservation initiatives; we believe these are vital to the success of any company and it is imperative to encourage and reward students such as Ben for the significant contribution they are making – vey well done!” 
 
Charity Watkins, of the Year in Industry, adds: “To have made this much impact for a large national organisation when Ben came straight from his A levels into the workplace is truly impressive.  He will have an outstanding career after he has been to Bristol University and started his Civil Engineering degree. We live in a changing world and it’s great to see such young minds considering the effects of climate change now for the future.”
 


Engineering & Motor Vehicle Awards Evening, Cornwall College, St Austell - Thursday 17th June 2010
 
Student James Cottingham won this year's award from Bandvulc for the 'Most Improved Level 1 Motor Vehicle Student' at Cornwall College, St Austell.  Richard O'Connell, director, presented James with a trophy and vehicle tools  in recognition of his determination and exceptional hard work through the year.  The awards Ceremony at Cornwall College is an opportunity for students to be recognised and this year over 200 students completed Engineering and Motor Vehicle courses.

Dave Linnell OBE, Principal of Cornwall College, said: “We feel it is important to honour our students on their efforts and achievements they have put into their studies over the year and I would like to congratulate them and our staff, as their hard work and enthusiasm really does make a difference".
 
"Congratulations to James!  It is always a pleasure to support the students and College in celebrating their achievements.  We also host student visits to our production facility in Ivybridge where they gain a greater insight into the precision, processes and expertise involved in commercial tyre retreading and the environmental savings achieved", comments Richard O'Connell.

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