Posted: 05/05/09
Students celebrate awards success
Students of all ages have celebrated success at two awards ceremonies at West Nottinghamshire College.
On Tuesday April 28 the hard work and success of young students was recognised at the College’s annual Schools Academy Celebration of Achievement.
Certificates were presented to 45 young students aged 14 to 19 years of age who attend College part-time from local schools and have gone on to achieve success on a wide-range of courses, overcome adversity or progressed to full-time employment.
The Schools Academy offers courses that schools would have difficulty in providing on their own premises. It is aimed at students who show ability but would benefit from a practical learning environment, and those who are not fully engaged in learning or have additional needs.
On Wednesday April 29 hard-working college students aged 19 and above were honoured at the College’s annual Adult Learners Celebration of Achievement.
Awards were presented to adult students who are on courses within the Business, Information and Technology and Community Education school of learning, such as word processing, creative crafts and website design which are undertaken at various venues within the community.
Each year, this school of learning presents an Adult Learner of the Year award. This year the award went to 53-year-old Elizabeth Wilson, from Mansfield, who returned to learning after having to give up her nursing career due to ill-health.
She gained level 1 and 2 qualifications in word processing, database and spreadsheets and in October 2008 achieved the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). At the same time she landed a part-time job as an administrative assistant at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Forest Town, and is currently studying word processing again to brush up on her skills.
Elizabeth has studied all her College courses at Mansfield Library’s Learning Centre, which allowed her greater flexibility.
She said: “I feel very humbled to have received this award, having listened to everyone else’s stories of success and overcoming adversity. Life has been tricky at times but my life at College has been precious. The qualifications I’ve gained have helped me to get work and Mansfield Library’s Learning Centre is a great place to study.
“Without the support and encouragement of the tutors at College I could easily have thrown in the towel but I am so glad I didn’t. I really have a thirst for learning now and I would encourage anyone who has the time to study to go for it.”
