Royal Leamington Spa College lecturer Jamie Ward has been awarded a coveted Medal of Excellence by educational body City and Guilds. He was recognised for his outstanding knowledge and professionalism as course leader on the City & Guilds Level 1-3 Furniture Making and Wood Machining over the last decade.
The prestigious Medals for Excellence have been awarded by the City & Guilds Group for over 100 years. They celebrate exceptional talent among learners, lecturers and trainers who have achieved great results by not only producing exceptional work, but by going above and beyond what is expected to achieve their goals. This year just 61 medals have been awarded from over two million students completing courses worldwide.
Jamie said:
“It is humbling to receive recognition with this City & Guilds Medal for Excellence. We continue to build the furniture making and wood machining provision at Leamington and this recognises the hard work and dedication that goes into making a course successful. I would like to thank the students and teaching team that support this great department and look forward to another successful year.”
Since Jamie has been course leader at the college - part of the WCG group of colleges - his has nominated eight of his students for a Medal for Excellence, all of whom have been successful. The latest success Matt Brown, age 36 from Aston Le Walls who was also awarded a prestigious medal this year.
Matt was nominated for being an outstanding student on the furniture crafts course throughout his time at college. He worked tirelessly in his pursuit of perfection and achieved distinctions for all of his assignments. This dedicated approach rewarded him with a full-time cabinet making position, at NEJ Stevenson, the Rugby-based fine furniture design and makers which holds the Royal Warrant as cabinet makers to the Her Majesty the Queen.
Matt, who completed a Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Design and Making, said:
“It is a real honour to receive the City & Guilds Medal for Excellence. My time at college has been amazing, and to receive this award makes it even more special. I would like to thank everyone that have helped me along the way, from those at college to the continued support I receive from my colleagues at work.”
Ian Bown, Production Director at NEJ Stevenson, said:
“Matthew has definitely excelled and made an admirable impression on NEJ Stevenson. Alongside his natural talent, excellence in skill and his depth of knowledge, he is always willing to learn more, listening to instruction and performing to the high NEJ standards. His politeness and attitude is exemplary in every way and he is very much liked by everyone at NEJ Stevenson, he is a credit to not only himself but also the company.”
Matt was presented with his award at the furniture crafts end of year show by leading fine furniture maker Sean Feeney, whilst Jamie received his medal by Angela Joyce, CEO of WCG in the college’s furniture crafts workshop.
Royal Leamington Spa College offers a number of furniture crafts courses. For more information go to www.wcg.ac.uk/courses or come along to the next open event on Thursday 15 November 5.30-8pm.
To register and avoid the queues simply book a place online at www.wcg.ac.uk/openevents or for more information or call 0300 456 0049.