Outstanding Achievements Honoured In Awards Ceremony

Excellence and dedication were recognised at East Riding College’s annual awards ceremony at The Spa Bridlington.

The event saw 40 students, employers and staff each presented with a glass trophy and a gift voucher in recognition of their achievements.

Winners came from all over the East Yorkshire and ranged from younger students in full-time further education to adults who were studying as part of their job.

Stories ranged from those who had simply excelled throughout their course to those who had overcome significant personal difficulties to be successful.

There were also awards for employers in recognition of their commitment to workforce development and East Riding College employees who had excelled in using their own professional development for the benefit of learners.

Principal Derek Branton said:

“Our annual awards are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and the progress they have made since enrolling at the College.

“Myself, colleagues and the friends and families of our learners watched with great pride as they stepped up to receive their awards and enjoyed their fully deserved moment in the spotlight.”

He added: “It is very pleasing to recognise the commitment of employers who partner with the College to train their staff and enhance the professional effectiveness of their workforce.

“The event is also an opportunity to thank our own staff for their excellent achievements and the ongoing dedication they show to their professional development.”

Simon Wright, Chairman of the College’s Governors, said:

“My fellow governors and I were delighted to hear such wonderful stories of achievement from our students.

“Working in education is very rewarding and never more so than when we see what students can achieve with the support and encouragement of a talented team of tutors.”

The evening began with the College’s Annual General Meeting, in which Mr Branton looked back on a very successful 2014-2015 academic year.

He referred to the College’s extensive work with employers and the close alignment of the curriculum with the skills priorities set for the region by the Local Enterprise Partnerships.

The College recruitment levels remained very high for both young people and adults. High success rates were accompanied by strong positive rates of progression with 94 per cent of learners on full-time courses progressing directly into employment or higher level study, either at the College or at university.

Mr Branton also mentioned that the College had transformed its estate in seven years, with the construction of new campuses in Beverley and Bridlington and the refurbishment of its Hull site.

The awards ceremony was then led by Vice Principal, Rhys Davies and Director of Human Resources, Barbara Collinson, with the awards presented by members of the governing body.

Each of the awards was sponsored by a local firm. To see photographs of the award winners, visit www.facebook.com/eastridingcollege