Two former East Durham College students are building up a highly successful local construction business.
Andy Hughes, 31, and Andy Waterstone, 30, both from Hetton-le-Hole, completed construction courses at the College and have now gone on to set up the highly successful Rated Construction Ltd.
Andy Hughes completed his college course in 2001 then becoming a self employed builder. A few years down the line, as business grow, Andy called his old college lecturer Mick Brown looking for an apprentice, and ended up taking on Andy Waterstone.
And Andy Waterstone then went on to successfully complete his bricklaying course in 2008, continuing to work for Andy Hughes up until March this year when they decided to become business partners and created Rated Construction.
Andy Hughes is really proud to have created such a successful business but admits it has been really hard work to get to where the company is today.
Andy said: “Since joining forces with Andy [Waterstone] things have gone from strength-to-strength and there has been less pressure as the responsibilities have been shared between two of us.
“We have worked really hard to build up the company’s reputation and I am really proud to see where it is today.”
Both of the builders have praised the teaching they received from the Peterlee-based college and believe that they wouldn’t be where they are today without what they learnt at East Durham College and also the help they have received since leaving.
Andy Hughes explained: “The College was fantastic when we were there. They taught us all the top techniques and the work we undertook at East Durham College also really helped instil a strong work ethic in us both; factors that have all helped us get to where we are today.”
And Andy Waterstone added: “And it’s not just the time we spent at the College when they have helped us. Since leaving, if we have needed any advice our old lecturers like Michael Brown have been just a phone call away, and have been really happy to help us out.
“And when we took on a new apprentice this year, we knew there was only one place to send him to take his qualifications.
“So now our apprentice, James Graham, is enrolled on to the bricklaying course and we are sure he will receive the same fantastic training we did during our time at East Durham College.”
For information about how to enrol on our construction courses please contact student services on 0191 518 8222.
