Give it a go says award-winner Ben Naylor
A year ago, Ben Naylor from Ashton walked through the doors of PVC as a shy Year 11 student who didn’t enjoy school.
Almost a year later, he’s unrecognisable. He’s completed a BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Construction and a BTEC Level 1 in Health and Safety in the construction environment at PVC, which means he can now take his test for a CSCS card and he’ll be able to work on building sites. As a result, Ben has just heard he’s got a job as a kitchen and bathroom fitter, and a college placement and he’s just won the PVC Manager’s Award for Student of the Year.
Ben said: “I would say to anyone who gets a chance to come to PVC – give it a go! I worked on a scaled-down house at PVC - I built it almost all by myself. I did the plastering, roof, the windows, insulation and brickwork. The Bob Marley mural is one of mine too. It makes you feel proud to see what you’ve achieved. The tutors are great and I’ve tried to put something back by helping out with a bit of onsite maintenance. I come most days each week and I’ve sat my Maths and English exams as well as learning new skills, but PVC was definitely ‘the place to be’ for me and I’m excited for my future career.”
Martin Grayston, Centre Manager, said : “Ben has grasped every opportunity we gave him with both hands. He’s passed his Diploma in just a year – a remarkable achievement. He’s respectful, eager to learn and has picked up all trades with ease.”