Wiltshire's learners honoured
7:00am Sunday 31st May 2009 in News By Rachel Allen
Wiltshire College’s first ever adult learners awards was a huge success with six mature students overcoming their fears and being awarded for their remarkable achievements.
The first Adult Learner of the Year Awards were held at the Arc Theatre, Trowbridge with six categories that were sponsored by local companies as well as an overall Wiltshire Adult Learner of the Year Award was sponsored by Wiltshire Council.
Four students from Devizes, Corsham and Chippenham received a trophy, certificate and cheque for winning their category..
Overcoming Barriers to Learning, which was sponsored by Wiltshire College was won by Henry Dixon, aged 55, of Devizes.
He said he was very pleased and very proud to win the award.
Mr Dixon was nominated for this award by Geraldine Lewis of Self Unlimited, Rowde.
She said: “Henry has a learning disability and joined CARE Rowde (now Self Unlimited) in the summer of 2008.
“The initial weeks were very challenging as he adjusted to new routines, staff and fellow service users but when asked if he would like to go to college, he bravely agreed to apply for a woodwork course at Wiltshire College Lackham.
Robert Hunt, aged 32, of Chippenham was awarded ITLC learner of the year which was sponsored by Tribal Group.
Forty-three-year-old Trish Emery, of Corsham was awarded skills for life learner of the year, sponsored by Apetito, and was presented with the overall award of Wiltshire Adult Learner of the Year.
Wiltshire College Lecturer in Literacy and Numeracy, Janet Pollitt, nominated her for this award.
She said: “In September 2006 Trish came along to the Martingate Centre, Corsham for initial assessment.
“She was shaking like a leaf and finding it hard to breathe. At that time she was agoraphobic and had been housebound for some time but was keen to try to change her life.
“Her education background was very poor – she had been a long-term victim of bullying and had left school without any qualifications.”
Daniel Tanner, aged 21, also of Corsham was awarded Adult Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Strawberry Recruitment.
Two other winners include Benjamin Poole, aged 22, of Melksham who won Higher Education Learner of the Year, sponsored by Castle Combe Circuit and Ruth Healy, aged 55 from Salisbury was given the Senior Learner of the Year award sponsored by Wow Creative.
A Wiltshire College spokesman said: “All the winners and nominees have stories that are inspirational. Often they have made that extra effort to reach their goals. It is hoped the awards will motivate others to consider learning and they illustrate how learning as an adult can transform lives.”
