A Coleg Sir Gâr student and council employee who has a serious medical condition has won the Construction Youth Trust’s 2016 award as well as winning the planning and architecture category.
UK winner Shane Evans, from Ammanford, who is studying a BSc in construction management and technology at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Ammanford campus is employed as a property design technician for Carmarthenshire County Council and has shown he’s a real inspiration for the industry. Battling with cystic fibrosis has made Shane’s life challenging, having to undergo life-saving treatments and getting up at 5.30am every morning to exercise before work.
Shane was honoured amongst some of industry's most exceptional young people at the awards evening held in London which was supported by over 200 senior industry figures and HRH the Duke of Gloucester.
Excelling both at college and at work, Shane does not let his illness interfere with his career or passion for life. His unwavering aptitude has impressed Coleg Sir Gâr principal, Barry Liles. “Shane’s sheer ability, determination and work ethic have exceeded any other student I have come across,” he said.
In addition to studying and working, Shane encourages young people into the construction industry and sits on Cyfle Building Skills interview panel. He also volunteers for the CIOB Novus Group.
Daryl Thomas, assistant curriculum head at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “The judges were impressed by Shane and found him engaging, knowledgeable and inspiring.
“They described him as a formidable ambassador for the industry with an infectiously positive and optimistic outlook who has succeeded through sheer hard work and determination.”