College student receives scholarship fund in memory of Driffield carpenter

27th October 2020 11:51am - Return to press releases

Student Luke Hodson, aged 17 from Lockington has been chosen to receive a bursary from the Gordon Leason Carpentry Apprenticeship Scholarship Fund, awarded by the Rotary Club of Driffield.  The Trust was created in memory of Mr Gordon Leason, a skilled carpenter and joiner from Driffield, who passed away aged 92, leaving a bequest to help trainee carpenters in the local area. The £500 annual prize is intended to help students buy their first tools of the trade.

Luke recently achieved a Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry & Joinery and has moved onto a Level 2 Diploma in Site Carpentry.  He was nominated for the scholarship by his tutor and curriculum leader for construction, Craig Leach.

Craig said, “I really wanted to reward Luke for the resilience he showed during the difficult period over lockdown when he had to complete his studies from home.  He showed perseverance and maturity in completing the work that was required to achieve his qualification. I’m really happy and proud that he’s been chosen to receive the scholarship fund. He has struggled with confidence in the past and this will give him a real boost.  He has come back to his studies a much more mature-minded learner and he is really keen to show how his skills have improved.”

Luke said, “I feel the bursary will help me immensely as I am not in a very good position financially to purchase any of my own tools, and feel borrowing off my family is not a very good example to set.  Like many who suffer with their mental health, limited finances have played a huge role in my life, and I feel this bursary has made me realise there are kind, understanding people willing to help you achieve your goals and future life ambitions. 

“Finding something I enjoy and can concentrate on has been very difficult but with the help from the College I have now found my potential and am shocked and amazed at what I have achieved.  I am absolutely honoured and delighted to receive this bursary and I am truly thankful for being given this opportunity.”

Karen Dow, Youth and Education Coordinator at the Rotary Club said, “Luke is a truly deserving recipient of the award and has overcome various difficulties to reach his goals.  He didn’t let the disruption of lockdown steer him off course, and has come out of it a more confident young man.  The Rotary Club like to support young people and encourage the skilled trades.  I am sure Gordon Leason, in whose memory the scholarship fund was created would approve of Luke’s dedication.  We all extend our very best wishes to Luke for his future.”