College Plasterer Scoops Student of the Year Award

Congratulations go to Leeds College of Building student, Alan Derbyshire, after being named Student of the Year by the Property Care Association (PCA).

Alan, a recent Apprentice at Dryfix Preservation Ltd in York, won the PCA ‘Technician of the Year Award 2020.’

In 2019, Alan joined Dryfix, Yorkshire’s Leading Damp & Timber Specialists. He worked as a plasterer and remedial technician before becoming a PCA qualified technician in damp and timber.

In addition to undergoing training in the remedial industry (both in-house and through the PCA), Alan is studying an NVQ in Plastering at Leeds College of Building.

Alan has finished his first year of training and is proving to be a very quick learner and very capable plasterer; winning the technician of the year award with the PCA tops a very successful year.

Mark Speight, Leeds College of Building tutor, said: 

"Alan has a passion to learn and perfect his plastering skills when attending Leeds College of Building. He is an enthusiastic member of the apprentice group and the dedication to his course is second to none as he always gives 100% in all that he does.

“Alan has a desire to gain the knowledge and skills that will set him in good stead for what will undoubtedly be a successful career in the plastering/damp-proofing sector. A credit to his firm and Leeds College of Building, I speak for the whole college when I say how proud we are in the knowledge of him winning the Damp & Timber PCA Qualified Technician Student of the Year Award. Congratulations Alan."

In addition, Fraser Rafton, Dryfix Preservation Contracts / H&S Manager, also won the PCA ‘Structural Water Proofing Technician of the Year Award’. Fraser won the award after becoming a PCA qualified technician in structural waterproofing.

DryFix owner, Russell Rafton, said he was delighted:

“Alan came to us last year because he was searching for opportunities to learn. He has completed his first year at Leeds College of Building alongside working towards his PCA qualification and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from his tutors.

“The whole Dryfix team voted to give him a share of the company bonus scheme which everyone is eligible for after two years. He’s getting a bonus early because we recognise the effort and dedication put in.

“It’s fantastic that both of our staff members have been recognised with these prestigious industry awards in the same year.”

Steve Hodgson, Chief Executive of the PCA, said:

“This year has been challenging for people both professionally and personally, which is why it is important that we recognise the talent and skills within our industry. I’d like to personally congratulate Alan and Fraser at DryFix for the hard work and dedication that is recognised with this award.”