College’s honorary award for leading businessman
NIK Hardy, the founder and managing director of Hardy Signs, has received an honorary fellowship from Burton and South Derbyshire College.
He received the award in the graduation ceremony at The Hilton, St George’s Park.
The businessman was recognised for his significant contribution to the mission of the college.
Mr Hardy thanked college chief executive and principal Dawn Ward, chair of the corporation Everton Burke and the team at Burton College who he has worked alongside for many years.
He said: ‘’I am genuinely honoured to have been awarded an honorary fellowship and join other individuals whose work has made an impact at Burton and South Derbyshire College.’
‘’The college plays a key role in the development of the young learners and apprentices of our town and provides fantastic facilities that shape their future careers. They lead the way in representing our town across the midlands and beyond.’’
‘’I look forward to continuing to work with the college and further develop our relationship and the prospects for their students.’’
In partnership with BSDC, Mr Hardy founded the Hardy Signs “Sign and Print” academy in 2016, aiming to train the sign makers of the future.
Since October 2020, the businessman has been an adviser for Burton and South Derbyshire College, meeting frequently with the careers team to expand student opportunities and cementing the link between industry and education.
This is a voluntary position in collaboration with The Careers and
Enterprise Company.
As part of the graduation, Mr Hardy also delivered a keynote speech where he shared his career journey and the development of his company and the work with the community.
Burton and South Derbyshire College’s network of patrons and fellows mean that its students benefit from an industry-led curriculum, access to key industry contacts and the opportunity to work on live briefs for real companies.
This supports the college in delivering its Skills Promise and ensuring that when students complete their course, they will be job ready with the transferable skills and qualities they need to make an impact in their chosen industry or profession.
I look forward to continuing to work with the college and further develop owur relationship and the prospects for their students