College awards education and training

Outstanding achievements were recognised at East Riding College's annual awards ceremony. The event saw 47 students, employers and staff each presented with a glass trophy and a gift voucher.

Winners ranged from younger students in full-time further education to adults who were studying as part of their job.

Stories ranged from those who had simply excelled throughout their course to those who had overcome significant personal difficulties to be successful.

There were also awards for employers in recognition of their commitment to workforce development and East Riding College employees who use their own professional development for the benefit of learners.

Principal Derek Branton said: "Our annual awards are always a highlight of the year for me as it is when we celebrate the positive influence education and training have on people’s lives and career advancement.

“We heard some truly inspirational stories about students who were on their way to university, were progressing to higher levels of study at the College, had overcome challenges to succeed or had used their learning to benefit their job role.”

He added: “It is very pleasing to recognise the commitment of employers who partner with the College to train their staff and ensure the professional effectiveness of their workforce.

“The event is also an opportunity to thank our own staff for their excellent achievements and the ongoing dedication they show to their professional development.”

Alex Denholm, Vice-Chairman of the College's Governors, said: "My fellow governors and I were delighted to hear such wonderful stories of achievement from our students.

"Working in education is very rewarding and never more so than when we see what students can achieve with the support and encouragement of a talented team of tutors."

The evening began with the College's Annual General Meeting, in which Mr Branton looked back on a very successful 2013-2014 academic year.

He referred to the College’s extensive work with employers and the close alignment of the curriculum with the skills priorities set for the sub-region by the Local Enterprise Partnerships.

The College recruitment levels remained very high for both young people and adults. High success rates were accompanied by strong positive rates of progression with over 90 per cent of learners on full-time courses progressing directly into employment or higher level study, either at the College or at university.

Mr Branton said the future ambitions of the College were symbolised by the move to the new Flemingate campus in Beverley in September.

He said the learning facilities in Beverley would soon match the superb accommodation the College occupied in Bridlington since the opening of its new campus there in 2009.

The awards ceremony was then led by Vice Principal Andrew Wren and Director of Human Resources Barbara Collinson, with the awards presented by Mr Denholm.

Each of the awards was sponsored by a local firm. To see photographs of the award winners, visit www.facebook.com/eastridingcollege