News
Winners of the 2007 QIA STAR Awards are announced
More than 100 STARs of the further education system were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony in London last night (26 November).
Staff and learners from across England gathered at Old Billingsgate for the annual QIA STAR Awards where the achievements of the sector’s unsung heroes were celebrated. The STAR Awards, now in their fourth year, recognise the dedication and expertise of those people who, on a daily basis, are making a significant contribution to improving the skill level of young people and adult learners. The winners in the 10 categories were:
Amanda Hemmer from the Royal National College of the Blind (Hereford) in the category of outstanding teaching, training and learning practitioner sponsored by the Institute for Learning (IfL)
Eddie Bedford from Leicester College in the category of outstanding contribution to Skills for Life sponsored by The Mirror
Marc Wood from the Friends Centre (Brighton) in the category of outstanding provision of learning opportunities in response to learners’ needs sponsored by Remploy
Richard Crook from Crook De Lyon Development and Training (Fakenham) in the category of outstanding contribution to engaging employers sponsored by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK)
One Complete Solution from Ipswich Hospital in the category of outstanding contribution to workforce development sponsored by ConstructionSkills
Roland Griffiths from Reaseheath College (Cheshire) in the category of outstanding contribution in a support role sponsored by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)
Andrea Wilkinson from Wakefield College in the category of outstanding contribution to learning support sponsored by Nord Anglia Education Partnerships
Linda Ham from Alton College (Hampshire) in the category of outstanding leadership sponsored by the Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL)
Oliver Tindall from Castle College (part of Sheffield College) in the category of outstanding innovation sponsored by ECOTEC
Bill Leivers from Loughborough College in the category of outstanding contribution to the development of the further education system sponsored by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
The award winners were announced in front of an audience of shortlisted nominees, their nominators and special guests, including David Lammy MP, Minister for Skills. The Minister said: “The further education system has a crucial role in building economic success and social cohesion in this country. The STAR Awards celebrate quality and achievement across the sector, encouraging teachers and leaders to share best practice.
"With this Government's record funding and sweeping reforms in the FE system to meet employer's needs it is vital we show the country at large what a massive contribution FE plays in boosting our productivity and people's quality of life.
"Practitioners must be praised for their huge professionalism and outstanding dedication helping learners achieve their potential and develop their talents. Learners must be recognised for their hard work and drive getting the skills and qualifications they need for good jobs and careers.”
Nominations for the STAR Awards came from staff within the system and learners who believed their nominee had made a difference in the sector. Over 1,000 nominations were assessed by a panel of independent experts who had the difficult job of drawing up a short list and selecting the overall winners in 10 categories.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Mike Baker, former BBC education correspondent, and Dr Floella Benjamin OBE. Students from a range of providers including The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), BMW, and City of Bristol College showcased the breadth of skills within the sector and made it a magical night of performance and excellence.