Joiner Phil Mead has built himself an academic reputation by becoming the first York College student to gain a first-class honours degree in building.
The 32-year-old Huby man's learning curve actually started with the college when he left school with O-levels in 1988 to take up a YTS programme.
But he says he feels a real sense of achievement at gaining the top result in the Building (Conservation Management) degree, awarded by Nottingham Trent University, which took him four years part-time study to complete.
Phil said: "My time with York College has come full circle and it's testament to their teaching skills that I have achieved this degree. The lecturers have become personal friends of mine.
"It has taken four years of sheer hard work and support from my family, the college and my employer, Persimmon Homes."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article