Georgie receiving her award.

Student of the Year award for talented Georgie

A partnership between the University of Exeter and Exeter College has resulted in a top award for local student Georgie Rand.

Georgie was voted Student of the Year, awarded by Exeter College Faculty of Construction and the Built Environment, coming top out of over 300 students. She also won Plumbing Level 1 Student of the Year based on ability and attitude.

Thanks to the partnership with the University, Georgie gained valuable experience working alongside members of the Property Services team, assisting with maintenance requests across Exeter’s campuses.

Alan Orgee, from the University of Exeter Property Services Team, and mentor for Georgie, said: “Georgie is one of six students to benefit from work-based experience through the unique partnership we have forged between the College and the University, which is now in its third year.

“Through her hard work, maturity and enthusiasm, we are pleased to say that Georgie has gained a full time apprenticeship at the University and is now studying for additional qualifications.”

Since winning Student of the Year and gaining her apprenticeship, Georgie has also been invited to compete at a national trade competition where she will be judged against competitors from England, Ireland and Wales. The results of this will be announced in the New Year.

Georgie said "I am really thrilled about winning these awards. This apprenticeship has set me up for the future enabling me to follow my chosen career path. I am so grateful to the University and in particular to Alan Orgee for developing this partnership programme and strengthening relationships with Exeter College".

The partnership between the University and the College will continue over the next year, with new work experience placements beginning in January 2015.

Date: 5 January 2015