A WARWICK motorsport and maintenance student is in the fast lane to success after being named Student of the Year at Warwick Trident College.
Ben Hodges also won the title of Motor Vehicle Student of the Year at the college and was one of the first students to benefit from work experience opportunities with Listers Group.
More than 120 people, including staff, students, parents and guardians, were in attendance at the seventh annual Further Education Student Awards – the first time it has been held physically in three years.
A total of 47 awards were presented during the evening, which also saw students from Leamington College recognised for their achievements.
Ben, 17, has now completed his Level 2 motorsport maintenance and repair course and is planning to continue his studies with the Level 3 course at Warwick Trident College – with his sights set on university or a degree apprenticeship.
He said: “I was quite surprised and a bit overwhelmed. I was sat in the audience thinking, well surely it can’t be me, and then my name came out.
“I just enjoy working on cars, developing new things for them, improving them and making them better for the environment.
“The course has been great – I was lucky enough to get the chance to work at Listers Group and, separately, have the chance to work on the engines and mechanics of canal boats with another business.
“For next year, it’s hopefully the Level 3 course and then looking at university of a higher level apprenticeship. Eventually, I would like to work for a touring car team here in the UK”.
Lee Kirk, Head of Department, added: “Ben has been an outstanding student. He has gone above and beyond to gain a deep understanding of the subject and to help his peers.
“Ben shows a real dedication to his studies and often is found at the college supporting the department on additional projects outside of his course.
“He is courteous, polite, professional and a joy to teach. We are confident that Ben has a very bright future ahead of him”.
