The Mackwell LIA certificate course Outstanding Student announced

The Lighting Industry Academy’s LIA Certificate is recognised throughout the industry and has gone through many changes over the years, because of new legislation, the introduction of LED Lighting and a greater understanding of how lighting affects people.

During 2017, over 250 students completed the LIA Certificate Course. The top five were invited for an interview at the Lighting Industry Academy to discuss their project and other course content.

The 2017 finalists were:

• Sarah Burke from Tyson Lighting
• Jess Costanza from Simmtronics
• Ben Farrell from Apollo Lighting
• Charlotte Millerchip from Into
• Rebecca Walton from Steon

Students had to complete three test papers and a lighting project brief to either provide a lighting scheme for the new offices of an internationally famous architectural practice that also had an internationally famous lighting design department; or provide an upgrade for an existing woodworking company.

The finalists presented their work on April 25^th, to judges: LIA Certificate tutors Bob Bohannon, Iain McCrae and Paul Stearman, and Peter Adams of awards sponsor, Mackwell.

The finalists were invited to the LIA’s Annual Luncheon on 10^th May to hear the Mackwell Outstanding Student of the Year announced by LIA CEO Steve Davies.

The honour went to Sarah Burke from Tyson Lighting, who was presented with the crystal LIA Certificate Award Bowl, along with a certificate and £500.

“Sarah showed remarkable talent for someone who has only worked in the lighting industry for just over two years and who we are convinced will have great success in the years to come,” said Paul Stearman MSLL, LIA tutor.

“My position as a lighting designer at Tyson Lighting allows me to explore the role that light plays in the human experience,” said a delighted Sarah.

The runners up were Charlotte Millership from Into and Rebecca Walton from Steon. They each received a crystal bowl, certificate and £250. 

Pictured: LIA President Dave Ribbons, Outstanding Student Sarah Burke and LIA CEO Steve Davies.