Posted: 17/05/19
Apprentice Luan scoops top business accolade
A Mansfield apprentice has scooped a prestigious business award in recognition of his outstanding commitment towards his career and studies.
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Nineteen-year-old Luan Windley was named Young Apprentice of the Year 2019 at the Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 Ball and Business Awards
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Luan (second right), receives his award from Russell Jones, chair of Mansfield and Ashfield 2020; Michelle Errett, events co-ordinator at 2020; and James Sudbury, general manager of category sponsor Asmech Systems Ltd
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Luan celebrates with Helen Harris-Ellis (left), director and education co-ordinator at The Adventure Service, and the company’s head of marketing Lauren Ingram
Luan Windley, a day service activity support worker at The Adventure Service in Mansfield Woodhouse, was among the winners at this year’s Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 Ball and Business Awards.
The 19-year-old, from Shirebrook, Mansfield, was named Young Apprentice of the Year 2019 for his work at the specialist provider of outdoor activities and short breaks for children, teenagers and adults with learning disabilities, and for excelling on his level 2 apprenticeship in adult health and social care through West Nottinghamshire College.
Following a joint nomination by the college and his employer, judges heard that Luan had made a significant contribution to the wellbeing of service-users – known as “adventurers” – in particular those needing extra support. He was described as an excellent communicator who could speak confidently to a range of different client groups, colleagues and professionals.
Luan had also made great efforts to gain the skills and qualifications to support adventurers, in areas such as woodland pursuits, canoeing, abseiling and first aid, while his calm approach enabled them to enhance their own skills and integration into the social group.
Demonstrating equal commitment to his own personal development, the teenager regularly completed research and assessments at home in his own time, achieving his goals ahead of target.
Helen Harris-Ellis, director and education co-ordinator at The Adventure Service, said: “We often forget that Luan is only 19-years-old. He has grown so much since his arrival. He is much more confident within his job role as well as being considerably more comfortable with who he is as an individual. He deserves this recognition for his development as an activity support worker but also his development of himself as a person.”
Angela Fell, curriculum manager for health and wellbeing at the college, said: “Luan commenced his studies in September and is an excellent student who has made fantastic progress on his apprenticeship and the level 2 diploma.
“He always stretches his knowledge and understanding of his job role and is a credit both to his employer and the college. This award is a magnificent achievement and he deserves to feel extremely proud.”
Speaking of his award success, Luan said: "It was a pleasant surprise to have won the Young Apprentice of the Year Award. It has given me a boost of confidence that has further fuelled my passion for my career.
“I could not have achieved this without the care and support of my apprenticeship specialist at college and my colleagues here at The Adventure Service."
The Adventure Service specialises in high-quality outdoor learning experiences for children, teenagers and adults with learning disabilities through a variety of fun, safe, adventure-based activities.
Its wide-ranging provision includes a day service, adult short breaks, education, and adventure package experiences, which aim to promote inclusion, encourage independence and build self-confidence.
The organisation operates out of Park Road Resource Centre, Mansfield Woodhouse, and Top Valley Community Centre, Nottingham.
Now in its 13th year, the Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 Ball and Business Awards were attended by almost 300 leading people from local employers and other organisations, who gathered at the John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Sookholme, Mansfield, to celebrate the achievements of businesses and their staff.
Hosted by the long-standing business networking group, the event, on Friday 10 May, also recognised each finalists’ contribution to the economic development of the north Nottinghamshire area while celebrating the excellence, hard work and sheer determination of local people.
There were eight award categories ranging from Commitment to the Community and Entrepreneurial Spirit to New Business of the Year, and also the 2020 Outstanding Contribution to Mansfield and Ashfield.
For further information about The Adventure Service visit https://www.theadventureservice.com/
