Awards
Excellence in Cumbria Awards
2007
Best Young Apprentice
Year 11 student, Steven Norman
Congratulations to Steven Norman who was named the Best Young Apprentice in the County. The Excellence in Cumbria Awards, organised by the Learning & Skills Council, were held at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal in March. Steven was presented with his award by Michelle Dewberry, winner of last year's TV series, The Apprentice.
Since Year 7, Steven worked hard, putting in a lot of effort and extra hours working on various voluntary activities, which have included Young Engineers Club, Junior Young Engineers Clubs and School Productions.
Steven also gained an NVQ Level 2 on the Young Apprenticeship Programme, delivered by Lakes College to gain under pinning knowledge and GEN II Engineering & Technology Training Ltd for practical elements.
He was very pleased to win the award and would like to thank everyone that helped him.
Steven left St Benedict's in 2007 to start an apprenticeship with GEN II Training.
Engineering Award
At the recently held Year 11 Achievement Evening, when many subject awards were presented, ex-pupil Steven Norman received an engraved medal for his fantastic achievement of gaining one of the top five marks in GCSE Engineering. There were over 1800 AQA candidates for this subject.
An extra special award, the James Ian Milburn Award for Excellence in Engineering Technology, was presented to Steven by Mrs Milburn from Battle, near Hastings. Mrs Milburn set up this award following the death of her Cumbrian Dental Surgeon husband. Having taken early retirement, Mr Milburn became very involved in his hobby of creating domestic artefacts from his extremely well-equipped work room with electrical, manual and engineering tools.
After he died, Mrs Milburn and her daughter decided they wanted to give something back to the local community of Cumbria. Due to the reputation of our Engineering Department and the passion of Mr Lupton, Mrs Milburn bequeathed her husband's equipment to the School and set up an Award in her husband's name. Each year the recipient will be given a replica miniature salver and £100.
National Apprentice Award
On Thursday 15th June 2006, Year 11 student, Matthew McCarry, was named Britain's top Young Apprentice at a star-studded Award's Ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel. He was one of only three in the country to make it to the final, beating more than 2,000 youngsters. Matthew, the first ever student to be awarded ‘Young Apprentice of the Year', was accompanied to the ceremony by his parents, with representatives from the Learning & Skills Council, GEN II Training, Lakes College and Mr Lupton. Matthew was presented with £500 worth of vouchers, a beautiful trophy and a framed certificate.
In July 2006, Matthew completed his Young Apprenticeship Programme via Lakes College and Gen II Training, gaining an NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship. For two years, he studied both the knowledge-based and practical intricacies of engineering. He was delighted when Gen II nominated him for the award. He was Engineer of the Year at School for three years and also encouraged younger pupils to get involved in engineering, by building a go-kart with Year 6 Junior Young Engineers from St Mary's Catholic Primary School.
Matthew was also successful when he was awarded an iPod by The REACT Foundation, a local charity dedicated to helping local engineers. Pete Woolaghan, Chairman of The REACT Foundation, said: "As a charity committed to helping young engineering students from West Cumbria, we wanted to make a gesture of support to Matthew. He is already a great role model for other young engineers and we hope that his success encourages others to follow suit." The REACT Foundation awards bursaries to local students hoping to study engineering at university. It also runs an annual competition in which first-year Sixth Formers, studying engineering-related subjects, can win iPods. Sue Donnelly of Aimhigher Cumbria, who also contributed to Matthew's iPod, said: "With more talented young people like Matthew entering engineering careers and companies like REACT to support and encourage them along the way, the future of West Cumbria looks bright."
Matt continued his studies in Sixth Form and in 2007 was offered a career in Engineering with CAPITA.
