Institute engineer crowned student of the year

Quentin Onyango, a student at the Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education has been awarded the Energy Institute’s prestigious Student of the Year Award 2008.

He was presented with a trophy and cheque for £100 by Andrew Drayton, Terminal Manager of Simon Storage East and Chairman of Energy Institute Humber Branch,

Andy said:

“It’s important for us to depict and highlight talent in the area, Quentin is a truly deserving winner.”

Quentin had decided to pursue his studies in refrigeration at the Institute after studying for a mechanical diploma at Kenya Polytechnic. The Institute’s refrigeration department was so amazed with his knowledge and enthusiasm, that he was offered employment as a technician.

Having worked at the Institute for just over two years Quentin has been promoted to learning tutor and is responsible for the development of the distance learning material for both Level 2 and 3 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Aside to this he works tirelessly to educate his students about the importance of efficient use of energy and how it will play a vital role in protecting the planets resources for the future.

Quentin said:

“It’s great to receive recognition for my efforts, it’s so important to teach individuals the importance of conservation before it’s to late.

“If the government is looking into low carbon emissions & energy consumption then they should put resources into training skilled engineers, it’s about creating awareness rather than taxing people.

Rob White, Tutor Assessor for Refrigeration at the Institute said:

“We are delighted that Quentin was nominated and eventually won the award of Energy Institute Student of the Year 2008.

“He fully deserved to win the award, he’s worked tirelessly towards educating individuals about the dangers of using up our core resources, and the importance of improving energy consumption.

“It also highlights that, we as an Institute go beyond acting as a training facility, and that our students are actively involved in researching innovative developments towards a better future for the general population.”