[C]arlisle College has held their annual awards event, with a total of twenty eight awards presented throughout the evening, recognising the continuous effort and outstanding achievements of learners and the relationship that the College has had with employers over the last academic year.
Dot Plimmer, Level 2 Joinery was awarded ‘Adult Learner of the Year’, acknowledging that she has grabbed the opportunity to attend college with both hands whilst making sure every moment is worthwhile.
Dot has extended her skill set and experience by determination and commitment and has also encouraged, mentored and cared for other learners on her course. Before progressing onto Level 3 Joinery in September Dot will be utilising her new found passion and skills for joinery by building a complex coop for her chickens, complete with fitted staircase, doors and windows.
Emily Little, studying Access to Health was awarded the “I Did It” Award, Emily has risen to every challenge no matter how demanding and has made fantastic progress. She has gone from strength to strength and shown true commitment despite the adversity she faced.
To her credit Emily is on track to achieve all the required grades needed for the Adult Nursing course that she has been offered at the University of Cumbria. Emily’s ambition was to become a nurse and after two stressful years she is now finally realising her dream.
Meanwhile, Keir McGlinn-Shaw, Level 3 Diploma in Computer Science was awarded ‘Carlisle College Learner of the Year’. Keir has worked extremely hard to achieve the highest grades possible, he has been focused on his end goal, with high attendance across all programmes of study and has secured a firm offer from Newcastle University.
Grant Glendinning, Principal at Carlisle College said, “Our learners will have faced not only the stretching and professional demands of their course but also the demands of home life and for many, the demands of employment too. The commitment and dedication shown by our learners has been outstanding and it is therefore fitting to recognise their achievements.”
Highlighting the close relationship Carlisle College has with leading local employers, the awards evening was kindly supported by; The Cumberland who were the main sponsor, CFM, BSW Timber, Carlisle City Council, Armstrong Watson, Burnetts, Pioneer Foodservice, Pirelli and Lloyd Motor Group.
Carlisle College are proud to be working with over 600 leading local employers from across the county. This ranges from the employment of Apprentices, offering valuable work experience for learners or contributing to resources and projects. As such judging in the employer award categories was no easy task.
North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust were awarded ‘Employer of the Year’, recognising the partnership with Carlisle College and the work being undertaken under an innovative Nurse Cadet scheme. The scheme provides learners with a minimum of 100 hours experience at the Cumberland Infirmary, providing a great opportunity for Carlisle College students whilst supporting their applications to study nursing at University.
The ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ was presented to CHO Fashion & Lifestyle, Story Contracting, Elliott Engineering and ConneXions Group, each were recognised for their on-going support, mentoring and on-site training offered to their Apprentices.
Gareth O Rourke, Director of E-Commerce at CHO Fashion & Lifestyle said “We were really proud to have won the Apprentice Employer of the year award at this years Carlisle College Awards. One of the key pillars of the business is to become a vehicle for local employment by investing in our people. The apprentices that CHO Fashion & Lifestyle employ are given the same opportunities that any other staff member would have and watching team members develop and grow, both personally and professionally, is one of the areas I enjoy most. I would encourage other businesses to take apprentice development seriously. If given the time, training and mentoring they become valuable assets to the business.”
The evening was supported by Carlisle College Catering & Hospitality students and Music Technology students who helped the event run smoothly. Level 3 Music student John Tirrell performed on the evening.
Carlisle College have over 100 courses and over 100 Apprenticeship opportunities starting this September. For more information or to apply visit www.carlisle.ac.uk
