Hat trick for Bridgend College at learndirect Regional Awards

Bridgend College scooped three top awards at the regional learndirect Achievement Awards Ceremony, held at the Millennium Stadium on Monday 6^th July 2009.  The event was hosted by Noreen Bray of Good Relations Wales and awards presented by John Griffiths AM, Deputy Minister for Skills

learndirect Centre of the Year Award

This award recognises a centre that has used technology, outreach centres or partnerships with other organisations innovatively in order to provide outstanding customer care and tutor support for their learners.

This award is recognition of the dedication of Bridgend College staff in supporting and guiding learners through their learn direct courses, of which 65% of the courses were classified as Skills For Life (SFL) which include literacy and numeracy materials.  Bridgend College has helped over 2,400 learners on 3,200 courses in the last year, with over 22,000 learners since 2002.  It has also helped learners to achieve over 5,800 Vocational Relevant Qualifications (VRQs) in the last 12 months.

Learner Support Award

This was awarded to Daniel (Danny) Beckinsale in recognition of his outstanding support to learners at the Centre and at many community sites in the Borough.  Danny has helped many hundreds of learners over the years with many students being inspired to progress on to other courses such as literacy, numeracy and IT as well as courses that offer ‘soft' skills such as ‘finding a job' and ‘healthy living'.   There are many testimonials from the learners stating how Danny's manner and support has built their confidence, and help them achieve what they had previously thought unachievable. 

Working with Employers Award

Retaining this award from last year, the College was nominated by the Post Office for it's commitment to supporting their learners in developing new skills.  As the Post Office operates 24 hours a day, the Staff from the Centre regularly provides advice, guidance and support to the night shift up to midnight.  The College have also worked with employers such as Arriva Trains and Brains Brewery.

Two Bridgend College learndirect students were also ‘highly commended' in the Skills for Work Award which recognises learners who have undertaken learndirect learning in order to return to work, and the Progression Award which acknowledges individuals who have undertaken learndirect learning and are now  furthering their learning to pursue a new career or lifestyle.

David Mather, E-Learning Manager says "We were thrilled just to be nominated for the awards due to the very high standard of nominees.  The awards reflect the hard work of the staff at the College, who are dedicated to helping people from all walks of life learn new skills.  It also reflects the dedication of the learners looking to improve their skills and progress to other education or employment opportunities.

learndirect's strength is its flexibility.  People can drop in to the centre to use the computers, but as most of the material is on-line, many access their course from home or at a local library at a time convenient to them.

Winners from the Regional Award Ceremonies will be invited to attend the National Awards Ceremony in October 2009.