Posted on 14 May 2024
College Chair of the Governing Body Wins Mentor of the Year
Congratulations to our Chair of the Governing Body, Mark Roper, who won ‘Mentor of the Year’ at this year’s West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
The annual accolades honour the outstanding apprenticeship network flourishing across the region and celebrate the achievements and contributions within our apprenticeship community.
The Mentor of the Year award was one of 14 apprenticeship-related categories announced at the glittering gala dinner and ceremony in Bradford in front of an audience of over 250 guests. The category is for an individual who has encouraged and inspired apprentices throughout their training programme.
Mark was recognised for his work with CML Civil Engineering, an organisation that delivers multidisciplinary buildings and civil engineering projects for Network Rail and other infrastructure clients.
Mark’s connection with Leeds College of Building dates back to 1980, when he first attended the College to study ONC Civil Engineering. His successful civil-engineer career spans 40 years and brought him back to the College as governor in 2015.
Mark has a particular interest in the Higher Education Faculty and currently chairs the Degree Apprenticeship Employer Advisory Board. Mark is also involved with a community interest company called Give Construction a Try, a business that promotes construction as a career for hard-to-reach students in areas of deprivation.
Congratulations also go to Vicky Patterson, a Leeds College of Building lecturer who was also shortlisted as a finalist at the awards.