Hard Hats to High Praise: Students Celebrated at Chichester Construction Awards  

It was a time for celebrations and congratulations as students, staff and loved ones came together for Chichester College’s annual Construction Awards.  

Held in Restaurant 64, the event saw a wide range of awards handed out, ranging from construction and carpentry and joinery to town planning and bricklaying.  

Each event symbolised the hard work and dedication put in by every student within the last academic year, as well as the dedication and support from their lecturers and wider staff.  

Every award-winning student was also fortunate to receive a prize, including a variety of tool kits, specialist equipment and also vouchers. 

One standout award from the event went to Chelsie Clarke, as she received the John Solly Award for Construction Student of the Year 2026, recognising her outstanding resilience, commitment, and contribution to her course.  

The award winners at this year’s event included:  

• Level 2 Electrical Student of the Year 2026 – Bailey Rix  
• Construction Student of the Year 2026 – Chelsie Clarke  
• HE/Built Environment Apprentice of the Year 2026 – Daniel Catcheside  
• Level 1 Electrical Student of the Year 2026 – Ellis Churcher  
• Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery Student of the Year 2026 – Freddie Green  
• Town Planning Apprentice of the Year 2026 – Gina Aftanas  
• Trades Apprentice of the Year 2026 – Henry Wilkinson  
• Level 2 Bricklaying Student of the Year 2026 – Jake Anderson  
• Level 2 Plumbing Student of the Year 2026 – Jayden Maredza  
• T Level 1st Year Student of the Year 2026 – Kady Hewlett-Kemp  
• Level 1 Rotation Student of the Year 2026 – Matthew Webb  
• Level 1 Bricklaying Student of the Year 2026 – Matty Baker  
• Level 1 Plumbing Student of the Year 2026 – Noah Barnes  
• T Level 2nd Year Student of the Year 2026 – Rhys Baker  
• Level 1 Rotation Student of the Year 2026 – Tanaka Choto  
• Building Services Apprentice of the Year 2026 – Zac Harris  

Helen Loftus, Principal of Chichester College, said:  
“It was a privilege to attend these awards, which form a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the dedication, resilience and achievements of our construction students.  

“Each winner should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished over the past year, and we are equally grateful to our staff and industry partners who support them every step of the way.”  

To find out about the construction courses available at the college, please click here.