Gary Fowler of J Breheny Contractors is among the finalists in the Duke of Gloucester Young Achievers Awards for Construction Excellence.

Mr Fowler, who is combining his career with studies at UCS Bury St Edmunds, was nominated by his employer in the Construction Delivery category of the awards.

He is now among eight selected finalists to have made a presentation to the judges, with the winner to be announced at an awards ceremony on March 20 at The Globe Theatre in London.

Mr Fowler started with Breheny 10 years ago as a ground worker and has worked his way up to a management position. He is currently site agent for a £4.5million infrastructure project in Swindon, putting in new roads and sewerage for a housing development.

He said: “The main reason they nominated me was because of the hard work I have put in, managing my studies, achieving academically and at the same time producing excellent work for them.”

Mr Fowler has been studying for the past six years, starting with the Edexcel National Certificate at West Suffolk College and progressing to a Foundation degree at UCS Bury St Edmunds.

He won two prizes during his time at West Suffolk College; Student of the Year and CIOB Best Professional Construction Student. He is now in the first year of a BSc in Construction, and due to graduate in 2015.

Mr Fowler added: “I will have spent seven years in education total. It has been challenging, because I have had to do it part-time, but it has been a good experience. It has helped me to get where I am, and I am glad to say I have actually enjoyed studying here.

“Course director Barry Chambers has been there since day one, and that has helped – having the continuity of teaching from someone who is very knowledgeable.

“At work, I have literally gone from the bottom of the company to site agent. I just want to keep progressing through the company, hopefully to project manager and contracts manager in the future.”

Mr Chambers said: “It was obvious from my first contact with Gary in the classroom that there was something special about his dedication, his attitude to study and his work. In the classroom, Gary draws on his experience at work, which enriches the teaching and his peer group.

“It is hard work and dedication to his goals that have brought Gary the rewards he is now enjoying. It has been a joy to know him and a personal satisfaction to watch him grow in his academic studies. I wish him every success in the future.”