A ROOFING and cladding student is hoping to scale the heights of the construction industry after securing a position with a new North East enterprise.
Darlington College student Matthew Frost has been appointed trainee project manager with Shildon-based firm Aspect Facades.
Matthew, 22, of Bishop Auckland, who studied business, ICT and applied science at A level, before taking a degree in business management at Teesside University, said: “My uncle is a project manger and he’d given me some career advice and my granddad was a plumber, which inspired me to want to work with my hands, but I also wanted something that would incorporate my business degree.”
At his weekly football practice Matthew met Dan Parker, managing director of Aspect Fascades, a local roofing, cladding and architectural facade company providing commercial and project management services.
“He told me that he was starting his own business and would be looking for a student project manager, which sounded just what I was looking for,” said Matthew.
Following a successful interview, Matthew secured the role, which also involved enrolling at Darlington College on the HNC construction course.
“The course is great and gives me a lot of confidence because it is taught by tutors who have all worked in the industry,” he said.
Dan, 30, of Bishop Auckland, who also studied an National Certificate and HNC in building studies at Darlington College, added: “I was looking for someone with a lot of hunger to learn and someone who wanted a career not just a job.
“After working for a number of roofing, cladding and construction companies over the years I knew I wanted to start my own business so was looking for a trainee and Matthew fit the bill perfectly; he is spot on, asks the right questions and works hard.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.