News
Thursday 31 July 2008
Building a first class new life
Expelled twice from school before leaving with no qualifications, going to university was the last thing on James Hood’s mind. But despite the difficulties of his teenage years the Nottingham Trent University student is now celebrating a first class honours degree, is preparing for a Masters course and has won a prestigious £5,000 scholarship.
The 29-year-old, who has graduated with top marks on the university’s BSc (Hons) Construction Management course, hopes his success story will serve as an inspiration for others who might feel life’s opportunities have passed them by.
Having failed to fulfil his potential at school following the death of his father, James found himself working in an unchallenging job in car sales before deciding to take a National Diploma in Construction. This was undoubtedly a turning point as he went on to gain a triple distinction, one of the highest grades in the country and a special achievement award.
He has now repeated this exceptional success at Nottingham Trent University and has gained a prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Fund Scholarship from the Chartered Institute of Building – an award based on the merits of his dissertation. James is now planning to take a year out before embarking on a Masters in Project Management.
James, who was based in the university’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, said: “In my younger days I never believed that I would go to university. Then I found that I thrive on academic achievement and want to obtain the highest grades possible to take my career forward. If I am successful in my ambitions I would like to start my own construction business or become a university lecturer to help repay what I have gained through education.”
He said: “I was overwhelmed at being one of the successful applicants for the scholarship. It is also great that my mother can see how the belief she had in me has paid off. She – and my grandmother, who sadly passed away on the morning of my final exam – have been my inspiration as I’ve tried to reach the highest level I can academically, despite starting out with no qualifications.”
The Head of Construction Management at Nottingham Trent University, Peter Ramsay-Dawber, said: “James has been a great student. Although he was happy to discuss his past, he didn’t dwell on it, and his approach to his work was excellent. He was highly respected among my colleagues and his peers and he is an inspiration to all our students.”
ENDS
Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Senior Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
