Many young people are opting to continue their studies in a work-based environment, taking advantage of the opportunity to do a job they enjoy, to earn a wage and to achieve qualifications to help them pursue their career. Work-based learning requires dedication, commitment and lots of self-motivation, and the Nottinghamshire Training Awards, which took place at East Midlands Conference Centre on the evening of 28 January, celebrated those young people who have shown these qualities in abundance.

The awards were split into seven categories:

• Pre-16 award
• Personal achiever award
• E2E award
• Apprenticeship award
• Advanced apprenticeship award
• Progression award
• Train to gain award

Aimhigher Nottinghamshire sponsored the Progression award which recognises students who are currently undertaking or who have already achieved a higher level of professional qualification, and who have previously completed a work-based learning programme.

The winner of this award, Mark Morton, has already completed his NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care and is currently studying for his level 4 NVQ. Mark is employed by Active Care and has recently been promoted to the position of Deputy Manager.

In all, 27 finalists were selected from a total of 143 entries from across Nottinghamshire – the largest number of entries the awards have ever seen.

Janet Charlton, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Training Network, paid tribute to their ‘extraordinary achievements’ and also praised the ‘dedication, support and commitment’ of the associated work-based learning organisations.

A formal graduation ceremony preceded the awards, and the atmosphere throughout the evening was one of keen anticipation. Keynote speaker Jo Salter welcomed guests and acted as compere throughout the event. Jo, the first female RAF Tornado GR1 fighter pilot, set the tone with an adrenalin filled tale of what it takes to succeed in a highly pressured environment. Jo admitted to once believing she was infallible, until a near fatal mistake showed her otherwise. Her key message was that mistakes are an essential part of learning and moving forward.

After a formal dinner the awards began in earnest. Videos of each finalist were shown prior to the announcement of the winner for each category. These were truly inspirational and provided an intimate personal account of each learner’s journey.

The overall winner was selected from the winners of all seven categories, with the main prize going to Stephen Slaney. Stephen was nominated in both the Advanced apprenticeship and Progression award categories, winning the former and coming runner-up in the latter. Stephen is employed as an IT Coordinator at Positive Outcomes. He has completed an NVQ level 2 & 3 in Business Administration, an NVQ level 3 in IT and is now working towards a foundation degree. 

Other winners on the night included:

Apprentice of the Year

Danielle Firth                                                                          

Pre-16

Aimee Vaughan-Scrimshaw  

Advanced Apprentice

Stephen Slaney                                 

Progression

Mark Morton                          

E2E

Aisha Miller                                        

Personal Achiever

Ryan Sykes                                       

Train To Gain

Ann Mason                                         

Employer

The Security Academy                      

Learning Provider

Cath Mayfield