Old boy Luke offers advice to college students

Luke O’Rourke, 26, studied joinery from 2006-08 whilst also taking part in the college’s boxing scholarship programme.

After leaving college he went on to work for Absolute Granite, where he spent five years specialising in the installation of kitchen worktops.

But in 2015 he decided it was time to take the next step and set up his own business, True Granite, which has gone from strength to strength.

He said: “Starting this company is the best thing I have ever done.

“We only set it up in 2015 and I am really proud to see how far True Granite has come so far.

“The diary is continually packed out and the customer feedback we have received has been really positive. I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the company.

“I would also like to say a huge thank you to the team here at East Durham College for inviting me back to share my experiences with students, I hope I have helped to give them some inspiration for when they go on to start out in their own careers in the construction industry.”

Luke said his two man team are constantly busy with a packed out schedule that has seen them working on projects across the country.

And the former joinery student said he is proud of what the business has achieved in a relatively short space of time, and is looking forward to seeing the business continue to grow.

For more information on courses available at East Durham College, visit www.eastdurham.ac.uk