Kathryn Crowned Best Student Plasterer in the UK!

Kathryn Doyland from Abergele, who studied at the college’s Rhos-on-Sea campus, scooped the award at a glitzy ceremony in London.

Coleg Llandrillo’s Natasha Williams won the award last year, making this the second year that the college’s students have won the prestigious accolade.

The competition is run by the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, and is open to all students in the UK. The ‘Student of the Year’ award is the most distinguished prize in the UK for student plasterers.

After successfully completing the ‘DIY Plastering’ short course, Kathryn then went on to study ‘Progression in Plastering’, and has also completed a Level 2 qualification in Electrical Installation. Kathryn is now employed by the college as a Construction Technician.

After originally being shortlisted, Kathryn and the other two finalists were invited to the capital for the annual awards ceremony. The evening comprised 11 awards, with Kathryn winning the most prestigious: ‘Student of the Year’.

In front of a packed audience at Plaisterers’ Hall, the winners of the awards were announced and presented by Alderman Sir Charles Bowman of the Lord Mayors Office. The awards are a collaboration between FIS and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers to recognise outstanding apprentices and students and individuals and organisations that have made a lasting contribution to training and development in plastering and interior trades.

Kathryn explained,

“I first heard about the Student of the Year award about this time last year when Natasha won. Rich - our tutor - explained what the awards were then - but I was still surprised and honoured when he told me that he was going to put me forward”

She added,

“To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations, my thought process was that we’d have a trip down to London and a delicious meal - so anything else was a bonus!I was immensely surprised to hear my name called out as the winner.

“Winning was surreal, and I think my success is certainly a reflection of the level of commitment Rich shows to his students.

“Being able to represent the College and to be another example of a female (and a mature learner) being supported by them is a fantastic opportunity - one I hope can only benefit both the college and the industry”.

Her tutor Richard Jones, said, “We’re all immensely proud of Kathryn for bringing this prestigious award home to Coleg Llandrillo again this year.

“Kathryn worked really hard during her studies at college, and it’s a pleasure to get to work alongside her now she’s been employed within our department, too”.

The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers received its first Royal Charter in 1501, is 46th in the order of precedence of Livery Companies in the City of London and exists to encourage excellence in all aspects of plastering.

Stephen Gilbert, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, said on the evening,

“The Company is absolutely delighted to once again be hosting these prestigious awards in our magnificent hall. This year, in an exciting move forward, we are also very pleased to have teamed up with FIS to recognise the achievements of many within Plastering and Finishes and Interior Sector."

For more information about Construction courses at Coleg Llandrillo, click here.

or call the college’s Learner Services team on 01492 542 338.