YMCA Training Dover held its first awards ceremony on
January 31st to celebrate the achievements of past and
current learners who have attended the e2e and Foundation Learning
programmes for 16-18 year olds over the last three
years.
The awards ceremony was attended by local employers and
representatives from a number of YMCA Training Dover's partner
agencies such as K College and KCC.
On arrival, guests were treated to a presentation compiled
by one of last years' learners, Wayne Nixon, who received an award
for 'Contributions to the Centre, Programme & 100%
Attendance'.
In total, 21 learners were presented with a certificate by
the Town Mayor of Dover, Councillor Susan Jones, and the Centre
Manager Robin Rosevear to mark their achievements whilst on their
YMCA Training programme.
Marc Thompson and Meghan Whall were presented with a DVD
for participating in the filming of "When it Matters Most", which
was produced by Walk Tall for the Connexions Staff
Conference.
The highlight of the presentation was three learners,
Steven Appleton, Laura-Jayne Shaw and Meghan Whall, who were
awarded engraved trophies for e2e Achiever of the Year. This was to
recognise them being nominated for a YMCA Training national award
in which they were runners up.
All three learners demonstrated a remarkable achievement
through the e2e programme, by securing qualifications, a positive
progression and demonstrating personal development.
Laura-Jayne Shaw said, "To have received an award for the
achievements and progress I have made is wonderful. Now it's a
constant reminder when I look at the award sitting on my mantel
piece, that it was well worth every moment and I wouldn't be where
I am today if it wasn't for the course."
Carol Mercer (Senior Training Manager) and Michelle Hirst
(Support Manager) from Sense charity shop in Dover were awarded
with a framed certificate for 'Most Valued New Placement
Employer'.
At the end of the awards Sue Huzzey, KCC FE & HE
Progression Manager praised the efforts of learners and staff at
YMCA Training Dover. She later said, "It was a privilege to have an
opportunity to visit the centre and meet with your staff team, past
colleagues and wonderful young people. I thoroughly enjoyed
the whole event. The learners were all so pleased to receive
their certificates and awards. They were a credit to the
manner in which you have supported their development." She later
characterised the course as one of the best in the county - if not
country.
During the Vote of Thanks, flowers were presented to the
Town Mayor of Dover by Samantha Richardson, who received an award
for 'Outstanding Progress in Employability & Personal
Development'.
Sarah Outing, Training Adviser for Dover YMCA Training,
said, "I was thrilled to see so many of our past and current
learners attend our first awards ceremony. I feel honoured to work
with these young people, support them throughout the course and in
their move into a job, further education or an apprenticeship.
"
Derek Gilman for Work Based Learning/SFL Co-ordinator for
YMCA Training, Kent, said: "Having sampled some of the work that
goes into the qualifications undertaken by these learners, seeing
them come together for a celebration of their achievements was a
rewarding event in every sense of the word, underlining all the
effort and good work that goes into this programme. To witness the
resulting happiness, boost in self confidence and self esteem of
these participants was a truly heartwarming experience."
After the presentations of awards refreshments were
served. This was a fantastic opportunity for learners to 'catch up'
with old friends from the course and chat with staff and special
guests.
Eddie Crockett, Management Information System Assistant at
Connexions, kindly took photos of the certificates and awards being
presented.