Walsall College held its prestigious V6 Awards Dinner on Tuesday 28th June, to celebrate the success and achievements of the college’s V6 students.

During the evening, 22 outstanding students were presented with Student of the Year Awards for achieving excellence in their area of study, along with an additional award for overall V6 Student of the Year, which went to Level 1 Bricklaying student, Chandler Fellows.

17-year-old Chandler has achieved all of his practical assessments in the workshop to an excellent standard and shown an admirable determination to succeed on the course, progressing on to the next level, despite a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis type 1; a chronic, unpredictable, lifelong, progressive condition which affects short term memory.

The awards ceremony also included a pre-drinks reception on the college’s Littleton Restaurant and a four course meal.

Lucy Porter, former Walsall College Painting and Decorating apprentice and 2011 winner of the Overall V6 Student of the Year Award, was the guest speaker during the event. Since completing her training, Lucy has successfully set up her own painting and decorating business, which has grown year on year.

During her speech she recalled her experiences at the college and told students how they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved so far but should also use this to drive them on even further.

Walsall College’s V6 is a sixth form with a difference, providing students with the vocational training to become Walsall College Graduates; skilled, professional and enterprising.

Jatinder Sharma OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College said: “The V6 Awards Dinner was an ideal opportunity for Walsall College to celebrate the fantastic achievements our students have achieved on vocational courses. These exceptional students are real life examples of students who have excelled through vocational learning and are a real inspiration to others.”