A plastering champion who showcased his skills on the world stage is helping to cement the futures of other students hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Rob Johnson excelled in his Level 3 Plastering Diploma at Redcar & Cleveland College, winning a place to compete in the 2015 WorldSkills Championships where he was awarded a Medallion of Excellence for his abilities in plastering and dry wall systems.
The 22 year-old has now completed his studies and returned to the college to mentor the current crop of plastering students. The move is part of the college’s new College Champions initiative, which brings together high-achieving former students to unlock the skills of others in their line of work.
Rob, from Eston, presented a video to Level 2 Plastering Diploma students to share his experience of the WorldSkills Championships and offer an insight into the industry.
He is now studying for a teaching qualification at the college and, with the help of lecturer Richard Cochrane, wants to become a tutor to help develop the next generation of plastering talent. His ultimate goal is to become a WorldSkills Champion judge.
Rob, who works for his family’s North Ormesby-based plastering firm, Classic Plaster Moulds, said: “After finishing my course at Redcar & Cleveland College, I stayed in touch with Richard as he was always a great support and recommended many of the championships I’ve competed in.
“I’ve now reached the age limit to compete in such competitions but it’s been fantastic to be able to pass on my knowledge to the students. Who knows, one day I might be judging them at the WorldSkills Championships.”
Richard Cochrane said: “Rob really is an inspiration to the college. He was a talented student who had an appetite to succeed and I’m really pleased he took the time to speak to current students about potential careers in the industry while highlighting how they too can become future role models for the college.
“The experiences of former students help to broaden the horizons of our current students and prepare them for the world of work. It would be great to see a network of former students still connected to the college, whether that be in roles as career and education mentors or work experience providers. All students will be grateful to hear about their experiences and I look forward to hearing what past students have been getting up to since they left.”
Redcar & Cleveland College plastering diplomas equip students with a range of skills and attributes, including a sound understanding of safe working practices, building methods and key construction technologies. The qualifications open up a range of potential career routes in the construction, housing, and commercial property industries.
For further information, please contact please call 01642 473 132 or visit http://www.cleveland.ac.uk.