The dedication he has shown to design and technology (DT) has led to an award for teacher Jason Chapman.

Dereham Times: Jason Chapman and his wife Louise. Mr Chapman, from Neatherd High School in Dereham, was awarded an 'Inspirational teaching of design and technology' award. He is pictured with Leslie Morris, the chair of the iET board of trustees, and Simon Wensley, from sponor, HME Technology.Picture: JERMANE CLARKEJason Chapman and his wife Louise. Mr Chapman, from Neatherd High School in Dereham, was awarded an 'Inspirational teaching of design and technology' award. He is pictured with Leslie Morris, the chair of the iET board of trustees, and Simon Wensley, from sponor, HME Technology.Picture: JERMANE CLARKE (Image: 2019 i.One Photography Limited (ionephotography.co.uk))

Mr Chapman, 37, who is the head of DT at Dereham's Neatherd High School, was awarded an 'inspirational teaching of design and technology' gong at the Design and Technology Association Excellence Awards.

Mr Chapman, who went to the awards ceremony at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London with his wife, Louise, said he was delighted with the honour.

He also praised the association - known as Data - and the Institution of Design and Technology for their support.

Mr Chapman said: 'It was a really nice evening for me and my wife.

'Thank you to Data and the IET for their continued support to teachers in general.

'They offer support and training events that are funded.'

Mr Chapman, who has taught at Neatherd for 11 years, said skills in the sector were becoming ever more important as manufacturing processes moved towards greater automation.

He said: '[Students] need to employ the skills they use in maths and science to formulate solutions.'

Tony Ryan, Data's chief executive said: 'Jason is to be congratulated on his well-deserved award, and celebrated for going above and beyond what might be expected in his contributions to supporting the subject of design and technology.

'We know that employers across the advanced manufacturing and creative industries are already concerned about the real shortage of engineers and designers and we need more people like Jason to inspire future generations.'

The awards are nominated and voted for by peers in the education sector, and is open to the 11,000-strong membership and non-members across England and Wales.

Chris Smith, Neatherd's head teacher, said: 'We at Neatherd are thrilled that our nomination for Jason has resulted in this amazing award.

'To have his tireless work in promoting DT and Stem across the whole school, as well as in the local community, recognised at such a high level is fantastic.

'I am immensely proud of him and thankful for the work he does day in and day out to inspire young people.'