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   ;)  Salford learners scoop top National Awards
Two learners from YMCA Training Salford were presented with prestigious YMCA Training Achievement Awards yesterday by former England rugby star, Austin Healey, at a ceremony held at the National Space Centre.
17-year-old Lewis Prince and 37-year-old Paul Sutton were selected from over 18,000 individuals across England to win an award in honour of their exceptional achievements. Lewis won the “Young Achiever of the Year” award, and Paul was awarded “Adult Achiever of the Year.” Lewis joined YMCA Training Salford with no formal qualifications. He wanted to improve his Maths and English and gain a vocational qualification. Lewis wanted to pursue a career because he wanted to stand up for himself and make a break from the external peer pressures of crime and drugs in the Salford area. Since joining YMCA Training, Lewis has gained new skills and qualifications and has progressed onto a horticulture apprenticeship programme. Lewis said: “I came to YMCA Training with nothing, but they have helped me to develop and improve my skills and my attitude towards life. I used to get into trouble with the police and with other gangs, but now I have no time to be getting into trouble and I am putting all my efforts into work. I now have lots of qualifications and skills and the chance of getting a job which will give me a better quality of life.” Paul Sutton joined YMCA Training Salford in March 2010. Paul already had a wide range of practical skills and was employed in a horticulture role on behalf of Salford Council, but he proactively wanted to improve his reading and writing skills. Paul openly admitted that he had messed around at school and now regretted it. He had found ways of masking his difficulties in reading and writing to such an extent that no-one would have thought he had any problems. With great determination, working mainly at home, Paul undertook Level 1 Key Skills in literacy and numeracy. After several attempts he eventually passed the online test, and completed his portfolio for both of these Key Skills. Paul completed his horticulture apprenticeship successfully and has been inspiring others in a similar position to him to get qualified and improve their situation ever since. Paul said: “Winning this award shows that hard work can be rewarded, and that anything is possible by putting in the effort. I didn’t attend school as I should have and so I have always lacked confidence especially in writing. My confidence is much better now and I feel like a new man.” Paul is now planning to progress to an advanced apprenticeship in horticulture using his new-found ability and confidence. Austin Healey, said: “Lewis and Paul are a real inspiration to others – they have worked hard to overcome the barriers in their lives and create a more positive future – it just goes to show that enthusiasm, hard work and perseverance can really pay off.” Chief executive of YMCA Training, Anne Linsey, said: “Our award winners have all demonstrated stories of personal success during their time with YMCA Training, through gaining qualifications, developing personal skills and making a positive progression to further education, training or employment. Each of them has also shown admirable dedication and commitment to achieving their goals.” Source: YMCA Training Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
