An unemployed mature student at Derby College has become the first recipient of a new £1,000 bursary scheme run by Bowmer & Kirkland on its educational projects.
Peter Overton (26) from Derby, who was made redundant from his site engineer job by a national company in July and is currently working towards a Foundation Science Degree in Construction Management at Derby College, was among hundreds of full and part time students who applied for the bursary.
He was awarded with his cheque by Bowmer & Kirkland Chairman John Kirkland OBE at the Roundhouse , which Bowmer & Kirkland completed for Derby College in July.
Father of one Peter said: “I am really pleased to have won the Bursary. It has been really tough for my partner and I with me being out of work so this is a real load of my mind that my College fees can now be paid.
“I am determined to finish the foundation degree course as this will be key to me finding another job and to promotion in future years as the economy improves.
Peter has worked on various major local projects including the Derby Royal Hospital, the new Findern services on the A50/A38 Toyota roundabout.
“My bosses recognised my potential five years ago and sent me back to Derby College on day release to do a BTEC construction course which I passed with double distinction.
“That then led onto the Foundation Degree which was going really well until I was made redundant two weeks before my first year examinations which was a real blow.
“I started late in the construction industry but it is now my real passion. There’s nothing more satisfying that seeing something being built from the ground up and to be a part of that.”
The Bowmer & Kirkland Bursary, announced at the official handover of the Roundhouse by the construction company to Derby College in the summer, will be awarded annually to a Derby College construction or civil engineering student to support them in their studies.
John Kirkland OBE, Chairman, Bowmer & Kirkland continued: "Peter and I have a shared passion for construction and I hope this cheque helps to ease the financial burden for him while he undertakes his degree.
“I do hope that his commitment to construction continues for many years to come."
Derby College Principal David Croll concluded: “Having worked with Bowmer & Kirkland for many years, most recently on the stunning restoration of the Roundhouse, I am delighted that the company’s commitment to education and training has been further illustrated by the donation of this generous bursary which will make a real difference to this learner’s life and to future learners.”
