County's skill learners set to be honoured (From Echo)

County's skill learners set to be honoured

10:00pm Tuesday 26th May 2009 in

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THEY say school days are the best days of your life, but these learners have proved lessons don’t have to end with the school bell as the race hots up to find this year’s winners of the Big Skill Awards in Essex.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has announced the 18 finalists in the Big Skill Awards, which recognise and reward inspirational Essex people who have improved their life, or the lives of others, through learning.

BBC sports presenter Ray Stubbs launched the quest for nominations in January, and will be presenting awards to the winners next month.

Janice Logie, area director at LSC Essex, said the quality of nominations had made it incredibly difficult to pick this year’s finalists.

“It’s really heartening to see so many people in Essex have learned new skills which, in many cases, have helped turn their lives around.

“They have made exceptional efforts and I really hope that their stories can inspire others to take up learning and make a real difference to their own lives and the lives of others.”

Judges for the shortlist were Alison McCleave, from LSC Essex, Lindsay Baxter, strategic manager for Adult Community Learning, Dave Carey, business development manager at Thurrock Council, Dave Monk, from BBC Essex, and Claire Borley, features editor of the Echo/Gazette.

Janice said: “The reaction to the Big Skill has been very positive and the excitement is building as we near the awards night.

“The showcase event in June will give people the chance to come along and try new skills thanks to the schools, colleges and work-based training providers who are all taking part to show just how many choices you have to learn a new skill.”

Gerald Main, managing editor at BBC Essex, said: “More and more we are hearing about the impact of the recession, the rise in unemployment and the struggle to keep afloat in today’s climate, and therefore we wholeheartedly support the Big Skill initiative,”

He added: “Not only does it seek to celebrate those people who have taken on the challenge to learn something new, but also encourages others to give it a try.”

The awards ceremony on June 11, at Shire Hall, Chelmsford, will kick off with a showcase of interactive displays and demonstrations of training and educational opportunities in Essex from noon.

This will be followed by the evening awards with trophies, certificates and £150 experience gift vouchers for the lucky winners.

For information, visit www.lsc.gov.uk/regions/EastofEngland/Aboutus/bigskill