Furniture crafts student Alexander Manville has been awarded a Medal for Excellence from the City & Guilds Group in recognition of his exceptional talents.
Alexander, from Cookley, was recognised for his outstanding work towards his Level 2 Furniture Making course which he completed last year at Royal Leamington Spa College under the tutelage of lecturer Jamie Ward. During his time at the college, Alexander also won a competition to design a new bench for the campus as well as the Paul Roden Memorial Trophy.
City & Guilds Group has awarded Medals for Excellence for over 100 years to celebrate exceptional talent among learners, lecturers and trainers who have achieved great results by producing exceptional work – going above and beyond what is expected to achieve their goals. This year just 85 medals have been awarded from over two million students completing courses with City & Guilds worldwide every year.
Alexander is now passing on this knowledge to the next generation, working as a technician at Ercall Wood Technology College in Wellington. He was presented with his Medal for Excellence by Angela Joyce, Group Principal and CEO of WCG, who said: “I am absolutely delighted to present this medal to Alexander. He has been an exceptional student, always striving and never settling for less than his best – a great attitude to have. We wish him all the best for his future.”
Alexander said: “To be awarded the Medal for Excellence is pretty amazing! I didn’t know Jamie was putting me forward for it so it was really unexpected and humbling. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it rewarding and challenging, and to get the medal is a real confidence boost and endorsement in your ability. I worked really hard and it has paid off!
“I can’t praise Jamie and Oli Renison the technician enough – they were so encouraging and supportive throughout the course. I’m now pleased to be passing on my skills to the next generation at Ercall Wood, but in the future I would like to have my own business.”
Alexander has been invited to the Lion Awards in London in June where he will be eligible for a number of awards, including the People’s Choice.
Jamie Ward, course leader for furniture crafts said: “Alexander grabbed the opportunity of studying furniture making with both hands, pushing boundaries and immersing himself in the course. He had an amazing hardworking approach and gained distinctions for all of his work.
