Learning Stars
The millions of individuals currently involved in learning and skills in England can today publicly recognise those who inspire and encourage them to succeed, as nominations for the 2006 STAR Awards open.
The STAR Awards celebrates the work of the truly outstanding individuals and support teams in the learning and skills sector. These hidden STARs, in their many varied roles, have a transformational effect on learners and colleagues alike, aiding social mobility and having a profound impact on the wider economy.
The sector is at the forefront of raising standards in education, narrowing the skills gap and developing our country's workforce. There are hundreds of individuals working in the learning and skills sector - from workplace trainers, college managers and prison tutors, to administrators, learning and support workers and cleaners - who are doing sterling work. They can now be applauded for their contribution to society and the economy via a STAR Awards nomination.
STARs such as Clive Weston, Head of Construction at Accrington and Rossendale College and Kosser Choudry, a Community Outreach Worker from Maidenhead were selected as winners in 2005. Clive has successfully built relationships with a variety of different businesses and organisations at local, regional, national and international level and Kosser has developed and cultivated extensive links with the Muslim community within her local area, engaging a large number of traditionally disengaged learners, through programmes to improve their language skills, literacy and IT.
ll Rammell, Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education says:
"The contribution that frontline staff in the learning and skills sector make to our society and the economy is so great, that it is essential we acknowledge this and publicly thank inspirational individuals for their hard work and dedication.
Recognition is important too as it enables others to share good practice, thereby improving the quality and delivery of education, motivating learners and helping the workforce to compete internationally."
Anyone can nominate a STAR. To be eligible nominees must work in the learning and skills sector, in an organisation, or an institution, which is at least funded partly by the LSC. Nominations for the STAR Awards can come from learners, managers, tutors and trainers and from workplaces all over the country including FE colleges, work-based providers, prisons, adult and community learning centres and UK online centres.
There are seventeen prize categories in 2006, including a new Learner's Choice Award and an award for Outstanding Work with an Employer. Winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel, and will receive a £2,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate. The winning team will receive a £5,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate.
Nominations close at midnight on 21 April 2006
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