Vocational Qualifications 2012
Every June the College takes part in National Vocational Qualifications Week, the highlight of which is the annual student awards ceremony held at Victoria Theatre. The 2012 ceremony was attended by over 400 people.
The 2012 award winners were:
Most Improved Young Learner of the Year: Ahmed Ali Pour
When this learner was first interviewed by his tutor in September 2011 he barely spoke a word of English and could not read or write and she was very concerned as to whether he would be able to do the ESOL course. However he was given a trial and despite early difficulties he has worked consistently hard on his course and his progress has been amazing. He has achieved all this whilst having to adjust to life in the UK and without many of the support networks which most of us take for granted.He is always friendly, helpful and positive and comes to college with a positive mind.
Most Improved Adult Learner of the Year: Richard Whylie
The winner of this category has started college three years ago and at that time was leading a chaotic lifestyle and had a poor attitude since then he has turned his life around; College has acted as a stabilising influence and he has made huge strides both personally and in his work on the Brickwork L2. His tutor commented that he has developed into a polite, well mannered and likeable young man.
Young Apprentice of the Year: Shannon Savile
When this learner first started at college she found life difficult and challenging and despite working in a local salon she had become demotivated. In March she took the opportunity to work for a prestigious hair salon in Todmorden working alongside a master craftsman in the hairdressing industry. Her confidence improved immensely. When her tutor visited the salon to assess her work she was amazed at the quantity and quality, even the customers were commenting on her motivation.
Adult Apprentice of the Year: Jonathan Naylor
This learner gave up a career in business to move into the creative industry – Hairdressing. In doing so he also gave up a good income to work for an apprentice wage. He started working at the Mark Riley Academy in Brighouse and although at first found it challenging he has progressed well and now building up a good clientele. He has achieved all this whilst nursing his father through cancer and has become a committed and excellent Apprentice.
Significant Contribution to College & Community (under 18): Emily Webster
This learner has not only shown a huge amount of commitment and enthusiasm to her studies on the L3 Extended diploma in Health and Social care, but she also volunteers through her local church running charitable activities for children. Her tutor has commented that she is mature and selfless and works hard to enhance the lives and opportunities of others.
Significant Contribution to College & Community (over 18): Craig Henry
The overall winner of this category has not only been a member of the Student Union for the last three years, helping out at a wide variety of events in college, he has also helped in running the college gym, and school holiday clubs. Additionally Craig has given his time up to help with events at Voluntary Action Calderdale and started the NFL team Calderdale Knights. He is currently coming to the end of his L2 Sports course and his hard work has paid off as he has now gained employment with Calderdale Council as a sports coach.
Most Enterprising Young Learner of the Year: Thomas Jordan Bridge
The winner for this category is currently studying for his Diploma L3 in Bench Joinery. At the end of his L2 course he actively looked for work using his qualification and his enterprise paid off and he secured a start with a firm in Doncaster. His firm agreed to let him continue with his studies at Calderdale College and now he commutes between Halifax and Doncaster.
Most Enterprising Adult: Amy Waite
The winner of the most enterprising adult learner, is a learner on the BTEC Nat Dip in Business. She is a part of the Business Gifted and Talented group ‘Noverios’ and has lead a small team in a variety of enterprise initiatives which she managed extremely well. Her tutors have commented that she is super organised, professional and committed. On top of all this she works part time and looks after her daughter.
Young Learner of the Year: Amy Green
This winner of this category has shown amazing commitment to her studies despite being a carer for her father and helping out with her younger siblings. On top of this she manages to have a part time job and her tutor has commented that she is always bubbly, confident, and committed. Her attendance is excellent. And she has distinction grades in all units. She has exceeded the expectations of herself, parents and tutor and gained a place at University!
Adult Learner of the Year: Leanne Maher
The winner of this category has shown immense determination and commitment. From starting in 2006 on a Life Skills course progressing through to Entry 3 and her latest achievement is she has passed her L2 maths. She has had to overcome many barriers along the way not least her own disabilities and health problems. Her story is truly inspirational ….
Keith McDonald Inspirational Learner of the Year: Craig Henry
The overall winner of this category has not only been a member of the Student Union for the last three years, helping out at a wide variety of events in college, he has also helped in running the college gym, and school holiday clubs. Additionally Craig has given his time up to help with events at Voluntary Action Calderdale and started the NFL team Calderdale Knights. He is currently coming to the end of his L2 Sports course and his hard work has paid off as he has now gained employment with Calderdale Council as a sports coach.