Unsung heroes of the further education and skills sector honoured at regional celebration events
Regional events have been held in Liverpool, Birmingham and London to celebrate the achievements of more than 100 unsung heroes of the further education and skills sector.
The short-listed STAR Awards nominees gathered from across the country to be recognised and rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Each event was hosted by a local media personality who presented the nominees with their certificate. Local students from each region entertained the guests with performances of dance, music and fashion, and everyone enjoyed a special lunch.
Maggie McGettrick, part of the senior teacher team from North East Worcestershire College, a Beacon provider, short-listed in the ‘response to learners’ needs’ category said, “A fantastic day that gave us the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the company of so many STARs.” “We feel humbled and honoured by this nomination.”
William Lewis, the LSIS Excellence and Innovation Programme Director, said “It was terrific to hear why these unsung heroes of the further education sector have been nominated for one of the Learning and Skills Improvement Service STAR awards. They are clearly making a huge difference to the lives of individual people and I am delighted that they are getting the recognition they so richly deserve.”
Now in their fifth year, the awards play an important role in celebrating the achievement of the sector and sharing best practice. This year, LSIS received the highest ever number of nominations, all of a very high standard. It was the extra commitment and dedication plus fresh, innovative and successful approaches that made the short-listed nominees stand out to the panel of independent judges. The full short list is available to view on http://staraward.qia.org.uk/
The 100-plus short-listed nominees come from a variety of further education providers including colleges, the prison service, community centres and associations. Nominations were received for the most senior to the most junior members of staff with those making the short list including managers, support workers, catering staff, principals and more.
All of the short-listed nominees will find out if they have won when they attend a glittering awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London on Monday 24 November.
