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22/12/2009
Student wins prestigious award
South Tyneside College student, Ilias Mantalios, aged 20 from Jarrow has been awarded the prestigious Robert Ford Memorial Prize after being nominated as the best final year business studies student at South Tyneside College.
Ilias, who has just achieved a double distinction in the BTEC National Certificate and a distinction in the BTEC National Award, was presented with a cheque, certificate and successful managers handbook by Geoff Ford MBE at Ford Aerospace Ltd based at The Tyne Dock, Ilias comments:
“I owe lots to my family and lecturers at South Tyneside College. Without my father I wouldn’t have the raw materials to make a success of myself and by studying at College I have managed to hone these skills whilst learning new ones. It’s a real honour to be recognised for my achievements by the Ford Group, who are a highly respected company.
“I have recently become a partner in my father’s businesses, NPI Constructions and NPI Properties and we have big plans for the future. We already own 16 properties in the North East with a further three in Greece and two in Bulgaria. My next plan is to buy more land in Greece and build holiday homes so I can rent them out, by the time I am 25, I want to own 50 properties. ”
The award was created by Geoff Ford MBE, in memory of his father, Robert.
To this day, Ford Group is an award-winning, highly successful specialist in the precision machining and pressing of component for the aerospace, defence and industrial markets. Ford businesses provide a first-class, make-to-print turnkey service to a broad range of customers.
Geoff Ford MBE, comments:
“We created the Robert Ford Award to mark his life by awarding the best business studies student in the region. This year we have picked an outstanding candidate, Ilias is a very ambitious young man and we believe he will go far, we wish him the best of luck in everything that he does.”
Lindsey Whiterod, Principal and Chief Executive at South Tyneside College was present at the award ceremony, she comments:
“It’s always fantastic to see one of our students get recognised for their achievements. Ilias has joined the family business but decided that he wanted to further his education through studying at college to give himself an advantage. We wish him all the best for his future and we are sure he will succeed in everything he does.”
John Heywood, Lecturer in Higher Education and Professional Studies was thrilled to see one of his students receive the award, he comments:
“Ilias has a fantastic work ethic, he has an infectious sense of determination and I am sure he will be successful in his career. He has been a pleasure to teach.”
For more information about the courses on offer at South Tyneside College call 01910427 3900 or visit www.stc.ac.uk
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