Calderdale College learners Kishanda Spencer-Bake and Louise Nixon were rewarded for their hard work and achievement at the 3rd West Yorkshire Lifelong Learning Network (WYLLN) Annual Celebration Event at Leeds Civic Hall.

The event began with a welcome from Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Leeds, followed by an update from Steve Challenger, Executive Director of the WYLLN. The guests then sat down to a celebration dinner, followed by guest speaker Jill Ezzard, Leeds City Region Employment & Skills Board Member and HR Director of Pace plc.

The winners were chosen due to their outstanding commitment to work and learning and the positive impact of learning on their lives and performance at work. The judges also considered how the learners’ achievements inspired others.

Kishanda Spencer-Bake, employed by HBOS, was selected as winner of the Leadership, Management, Innovation and Enterprise category. Kishanda left school with few qualifications and experienced some turbulent times throughout her working career. However her recent completion of a Foundation Degree in Performance Management has given her a fantastic sense of achievement and a fresh outlook. “The course has helped me become more exploratory and reflective” said Kishanda, who is now enjoying working as a magistrate and hopes one day to become a qualified solicitor. “I am looking forward to my future. I feel mentally rejuvenated and I am happy”.

Also celebrating success was Louise Nixon; highly commended in the Health, Social Care and Early Years category. Employed by Castlefields Primary School, Louise began studying for a Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development in 2007. She lacked confidence in her abilities but was supported by her tutors and encouraged to apply for the Foundation Degree in Early Years. Louise was accepted onto the course and since then has shown determination and motivation, growing in confidence, achieving excellent grades and gaining promotion at work. “Louise has been willing to take on advice and has overcome personal and professional barriers to her study”, said tutor Nicola Firth. “She is an exceptional student and a great role model for other students”.

The WYLLN is a partnership of Further Education Colleges, Higher Education Institutes and several strategic organisations throughout West Yorkshire. The aim of the WYLLN is to strengthen the performance of West Yorkshire businesses and the wider regional economy through improved vocational and work-based progression of young people and adults into and through higher education.