Seven amazing students achieved recognition for their achievements today (Tuesday 6 July) as Bradford College continued to celebrate their success over the past year.
Today it was the turn of Progression to Learning and Work students, who were chosen by their tutors for the FE Student and Apprenticeship Awards running throughout this week.
Announcing the winners, Helen Denning, Curriculum Manager for Progression to Learning and Work, said: “This is one of our highlights of the year and always very emotional for the PLW team. It is lovely to see so many familiar faces here today and a number of new ones and we thank you for coming to celebrate the end of the year with us.”
First up to receive an award was Bradley Erby, Student of the Year for Project Search BRI. Bradley is an intern through DFN Project SEARCH Bradford, a life-changing programme that provides young people with learning difficulties with the opportunity gain work experience to increase their chance of securing meaningful paid employment.
It is based at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), which hosts the learners, Bradford College, the education provider and licence holder, and national charity HfT, which provides the job training element of the programme.
Bradley worked at home through lockdown, achieving his ASDAN Employability Award Level 1. He then worked in the Infirmary at the ICT Service Desk from October 2020 on rotation. He then successfully secured an apprenticeship at the BRI.
Katie Lygo achieved Student of the Year for Progression to Learning and Work Level 1. Katie has worked with enthusiasm and determination throughout the year. She completed all of her coursework and met all her deadlines. She faced challenges with courage and has accessed all the necessary support to enable her to succeed. She is now working towards progressing onto level 2 Childcare.
After receiving the award, Katie said: “This is a shock!” She has always wanted to work with children and is hoping to work in a childcare career in the future.
Rejwan Mia was named Student of the Year for Progression to Learning and Work Entry 1 for lots of reasons. Helen said: “He always tries his best in whatever task he is working upon and never gives up. He is cheerful every day and enjoys making everyone around him laugh and smile. He is also thoughtful, caring and polite to all students, staff and the security team. He values college and he, in turn, is valued by all that are lucky enough to share their college days with him. This student is a really worthy winner.”
Sohaib Khan achieved Student of the Year for Progression to Learning and Work Entry 2. Helen said: “He is such a kind, caring and polite young man. He has a positive attitude, being willing to have a go at a variety of activities in the classroom, whilst also being supportive and encouraging to his peers. Another student we are very, very proud of.”
Sohaib added: “I was really happy to get the award.”
Receiving the award for Student of the Year for Progression to Learning and Work Entry 3 was Gert Burger. Gert came to the college, having recently settled in England after arriving from South Africa. Since beginning the course, he has demonstrated excellent attendance and punctuality and a very positive attitude towards learning. Gert said: “I’m very excited and proud!”
Joseph Khan achieved the award for Student of the Year for Progression to Learning and Work Skills for Employment. Helen said: “He has a positive attitude all of the time despite experiencing challenges in his life. He made a fantastic contribution to the college and helped raise over £740 for Cash for Kids. He is currently volunteering in the library to gain work experience. He has been an absolute pleasure to teach all year.”
The winner of the Student of the Year for Progression to Learning and Work for Project SEARCH Next was Hannah Coulton. Hannah has blossomed into an amazingly confident young person on the programme and is kind and generous to all. Helen said: “She is very supportive of her peer group and is always willing to help around the classroom. This student has shown great resilience whilst dealing with some difficult personal circumstances this year. She didn’t miss a day of College and put in maximum effort throughout.”
Hannah said she was “not expecting” this award, but said the work “brought a lot out in me personally” and enjoyed her work experience.
Closing the ceremony, Dawn Leak, Vice Principal, said: “Whatever you are moving onto next, whether that’s here at the college, university or other destinations we are extremely proud that you chose to study at the College and wish you every future success.”
About Progression to Learning and Work
Progression to Learning and Work supports young people aged 16-18 years old with learning difficulties, no formal qualifications, or limited GCSE grades. If so, one of our progression courses could be perfect to help shape your future.
Through these courses students can to develop your English and Maths, as well as building confidence and developing new skills.
Programmes cover a huge range of options at Entry 3 and Level 1 and are your stepping stone to a variety of exciting career routes.
The Skills for Employment course offers school leavers aged 16-25 with learning difficulties/disabilities, SEND and Education Health Care Plans, the next step in their learning experience, based within in the College environment.
This course gives you the opportunity to learn a variety of new skills, build your confidence, help to improve your English and maths and ultimately become more independent.
The course will enable you to develop personal and work-related skills that could enable progression into further learning or supported employment activities, where you could be helping someone else perform their job, or even, under supervision, progressing to a job of your own.
Students will have the opportunity to take part in vocational tasters in an area of their choice. In addition to this, students will participate in experience of work.
Progression opportunities include supported internships with Project Search.
Find out more at Progression to Learning and Work – Bradford College: Bradford College
