Former lab tech Ben lifts top digital prize
Aug 21 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
A FORMER lab technician turned web designer has been recognised for his digital excellence by North East industry body Codeworks.
Codeworks has awarded its annual Digital Distinction prize to Ben Timney who is retraining from his career in science as a web designer at Teesside University.
Codeworks’ Digital Distinction award was launched in 2005 to honour the work of students and graduates taking part in its annual student and graduate placement schemes.
He was presented with the Microsoft-sponsored award by Steve Clayton, Microsoft International’s Software-plus-services Lead, and Naomi Jackson, the digital skills manager at Codeworks.
Ben won the award after impressing an industry-led judging panel with a particularly innovative presentation.
He was unable to make it to the judging session because his wife was due to give birth so he pre-recorded a timed voiceover to a presentation about his work during year-long placement with Dynamic Distance Learning – a Redcar-based firm that develops interactive training and e-learning tools.
He was among 100 students and recent graduates who secured placements working for digital media and technology businesses through last year’s schemes.
A runner-up prize was presented to Lee Routledge, an undergraduate studying Business at Sunderland University.
He spent 12 months working for Caspian Learning, a software company which also specialises in e-learning products.
Mark Johnson, academic marketing manager at award sponsors Microsoft, said: “Microsoft is committed to supporting bright technologists who are starting out on their budding careers with access to resources, software and opportunities to show their ability with technology, whether that be digital creativity or writing software.
“The Digital Distinction award is a great opportunity for placement students to be recognised for their efforts on placement and to encourage them to excel in developing digital skills, and Microsoft was happy to recognise this award through support of prize donations for the students.”
Naomi Jackson, digital skills manager at Codeworks, said: “Congratulations to Ben for his success in winning this year’s award. Since launching in 2004, the scheme has helped halt the ‘brain drain’ of talent that has hampered the North East in the past, by opening students’ eyes to the career possibilities in the region, and helping businesses to recruit with less risk.”
