Celebrating at the Learner Awards

The outstanding achievements of some of Leeds most improved teenagers were recognised at the e2e Learners of the Year Awards ceremony hosted by Dan O’Connell from Galaxy FM.

All of the young people nominated had left school with few or no qualifications and limited prospects for the future. After joining the entry to employment (e2e) programme in Leeds each has overcome their own individual barriers to learn new skills, gain qualifications and enter work placements.

Winner of Learner who has progressed and winner of Learner of the Year Rebecca Green, was commended for her work with the British Heart Foundation. When she started e2e she was had little self confidence but has gone on to become a valued member team, working closely with volunteers with special needs to help them succeed.

Sylvia Barber, assistant manager at the British Heart Foundation in Leeds said “From the beginning Rebecca was keen to learn and self motivated. She has a lovely manner about her and nothing seems to faze her.”

The e2e programme in Leeds has helped thousands of 16-18 year olds who have left school with less than 5 GCSEs at A-C.13 organisations across Leeds work in partnership to ensure learners are given the best opportunities to succeed and gain vital skills.

Former e2e learner Justin Richards was awarded the Special recognition award for his progress following the programme. Before joining e2e Justin had grown up with difficult home circumstances, had joined the ‘wrong crowd’ and left school with no qualifications. While on the e2e programme Justin gained qualifications in Sports Coaching and Leadership and now works for ICFDS coaching football both in and out of school. Justin is changing the lives of many young people in Leeds by working in disadvantaged areas of Leeds, talking to young people about his past and how he changed his life.

The awards are essential in recognising the achievements of leaners who may otherwise have slipped through the system. Winner of Team Player of the Year Nathan Brammer had experienced some anger management issues while at school. Through support and mentoring from the staff at YMCA Nathan tackled these issues to become a calming influence over his fellow e2e learners.

Paul Williams from YMCA said “Once Nathan settled into the programme he became very pro-active and was instantly a hit with the other learners. During team building activities Nathan supports those with less confidence and makes sure no one is left out, encouraging everybody to take part in the activity. He not only contributes ideas but is also able to take the lead in group discussions.”

The Personal Achiever of the Year, Amy Kirkpatrick has been an inspiration to other learners. Amy had been bullied while at school and had left with no qualifications . When Amy joined e2e she lacked self esteem and confidence which proved to be a real barrier to learning. When she started e2e at Lifeskills she requested help with her literacy and numeracy. With the support of staff she worked relentlessly with tutors on a one to one basis gradually overcoming her fear of group work situations until she was able to join in. One of key elements of e2e involves doing a work placement, however when Amy started e2e her lack of confidence prevented her from gaining a placement. As her confidence started to grow through group work sessions Amy applied for a work placement at a hotel in Leeds. The hotel were so impressed with Amy that after only two days she was offered full time employment which she is thoroughly enjoying.

Many learners on e2e lack in confidence when they first start on the programme and have had poor attendance at school as a direct result. Through inspiration from other learners and the help and support of tutors the learners develop both in confidence and skills. Sam Trammer, winner of Attender of the Year was commended for 100% attendance. During his time on e2e Sam has achieved a BTech in construction and helps fellow students who have poor confidence and self esteem to follow his lead.

The achievements of the young people are only possible through the hard work and determination of the tutors who work tirelessly to break down the barriers young people face. This can involve investing long hours, coping with verbal abuse and dealing with complex personal issues to see their learners succeed. The achievement of the tutors was recognised in the Tutor of the Year category which was won by Andy Dye from BEST Training. His colleagues said:

“Andy’s skills, attributes, passion, commitment and ability to engage all learners as well as developing new members of staff are the reasons why we strongly recommend Andy for the e2e Tutor of the Year. Through the many years Andy has worked with e2e, he has undoubtedly made a positive difference in the lives of all his learners though his impeccable and unique teaching style.”

The Leeds e2e partnership which is responsible for the e2e Learner of Year Awards is made up of 13 partners from organisations across the city that deliver training and support to young people aged 16-18 who are not in employment education or training and who have not achieved NVQ level 2 in their previous education.The Partnership’s goal is to equip these young people with improved vocational skills, improve their academic ability, build their confidence and motivate them towards obtaining employment or further training.

The partnership is made up of the following organisations:

• Future Pathways
• Best
• Dimensions
• Foundation Learning Leeds
• Groundwork
• ICFDS (Brazilian Soccer School)
• JHP
• Joseph Priestly
• Lifeskills
• Meanwood Valley Urban Farm
• Nacro
• Rathbone
• YMCA