University College Jersey (UCJ) graduate, Nathan Birch, is to be awarded the Worshipful Company of Constructor’s David E Tong Cup. The cup is a highly prestigious award given to a First Class Honours Degree Construction Management student graduating from London South Bank University (a partner university of UCJ). Awarded by the Worshipful Company of Constructors as part of its tradition of supporting and providing recognition for study achievements and excellence in the Construction academic sector, Nathan was selected out of over 160 students in London to win the cup.
Nathan said: “I am delighted that I have been nominated as the winner and awarded the Daniel E Tong Cup. True recognition has been identified with my ability to manage time and complete all daily responsibilities associated with being a project manager whilst allocating the required hours of study to perform at the highest academic level.
From sweeping and loading out material on my summer holidays to completing my Joinery Apprenticeship and undertaking the HNC and Construction Management Degree, this is my greatest career achievement to date. This, I hope, will serve as an example to others of what can be achieved with a strong mind set and remaining focused. Finally, I would like to thank Cameron’s Construction for their continued support and all involved in my career thus far.”
Nathan, who has travelled some distance since joining Highlands College back in 2008 as a Level 1 Craft and Carpentry student, graduated from UCJ in 2017 with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Construction Management from London Southbank University (a partner university if UCJ).
In common with so many students on the Construction Management degree course, Nathan successfully completed his studies whilst holding down a full time job as Site Manager for Cameron’s Limited.
Throughout his studies at UCJ, Nathan has produced work of the highest standards, consistently achieving some of the highest marks in coursework, for his dissertation and in examinations, further proving his exceptional knowledge and understanding.
Tony Bechelet, the Assistant Head of Higher Education for LSBU Degrees at UCJ, said, “I am delighted that Nathan has been nominated for this prestigious award from the Worshipful Company of Constructors. Nathan is the second student from Jersey to be put forward for this award and it is hoped that this will continue to serve as an inspiration for other construction students embarking on their studies and provide a lasting legacy for the construction Industry in Jersey.”
Nathan will be awarded the Cup and a prize of £500 at a black tie dinner at Drapers’ Hall on the evening of February 14th 2018. Members of the Worshipful Company of Constructers are drawn from all sectors of the industry, including architects, surveyors, engineers, builders, lawyers and accountants.
It is anticipated that Nathan will now progress his application to become a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Building, which will entitle him to use the designation of ‘Chartered Construction Manager’. He will also automatically be invited to join the Company as a Yeoman of the Company – most of whom have been scholars or prize winners.