More than 50 University of Bath students have received awards to celebrate achievements made alongside their studies, including local volunteering, work experience and training.
They were among more than 1,000 students whose extra-curricular efforts have been recognised by the University.
The Development & Achievement Awards commend students who have taken on part-time jobs, completed skills training workshops or succeeded in the University’s extra-curricular recognition scheme, known as the Bath Award.
The Bath Award requires students to complete at least 300 hours of extra-curricular activities and meet standards in a set of key skills areas: teamwork, leadership, communication, commercial awareness and problem-solving.
Peter Poobalasingam, 22, a mathematics student, received the Bath Award and recognition for his role as student trainer for the SORTED programme at the ceremony at the University on Thursday 2 June.
He impressed judges by volunteering as secretary for the student entrepreneurs’ society and president of the Asian Society, as well as attending and running training sessions and being part of the Pants@Bath team in the Student Shop competition run in the city centre.
He said: “I am thrilled to have completed the Bath Award. I’ve realised the importance of analysing past performance by being self-critical in order to improve and get the most out of my student experiences.
“SORTED training adds something special to a degree. Since being a trainer, I have learnt the importance of changing a presentation for an international audience and have also had the pleasure of learning from many fellow trainers’ presentation styles.”
Speaking at the award ceremony, Professor Bernie Morley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching), said: “The University prides itself on developing excellence in its students, not only academically but also personally; preparing our students for life after their course. It is in the arena of employment skills that the Students’ Union programmes of skills training and development, work experience and The Bath Award play a crucial role.
“The considerable effort of the Students’ Union in supporting these programmes and the tremendous work ethic of those taking part, translates into students who are head and shoulders above their competitors in the job market. This has always been important, but given the current economic climate, it is even more so.”
Claire Maubach, Resource Manager at Altran Praxis in Bath was a judge for the Student Employee of the Year Awards. She said: “I am delighted to be a judge for this year’s Bath University Student Employee of the Year Awards. The high standard and calibre of the candidates and their contribution to the local community was very impressive.”
Bath based Brand Agency, The House, were awarded External Trainer of the Year for an inspiring session they delivered to students entitled Brand Vs Bland, as part of the SORTED training programme.
Significant funding for the Bath Award was kindly provided by Santander through their Santander Universities Global Division; by Endsleigh, for the Student Employee of the Year Awards; and PwC for the SORTED programme.