Recognising exceptional learners in North Tyneside

Jeanette Hedley's family with Andrew Burns, winner of the Jeanette Hedley Apprentice of the Year

Hard working learners from around North Tyneside have been honoured in the Annual North Tyneside Learner Awards.

Organised by North Tyneside Council, the ceremony celebrated adult learners’ achievements and praised their hard work.

A total of six awards were up for grabs, and winners took home a shopping voucher and a glass trophy.

The awards were presented by Chief Executive for YMCA North Tyneside, Dean Titterton and chair of the council, Cllr Cath Davis.

Cllr Davis said: “I was so delighted to be invited to present these awards and to commend these fantastic learners for their efforts.

“This is a fantastic event which does a great job recognising some of the hardest working learners in our borough so I’d like to say one more huge congratulations to all of our award winners and nominees. They should be very proud of themselves.”

This year’s winners included:

• Sandra Girvan Adult Learner of the Year: This award was won by Cindy Williams after she overcame a number of obstacles to secure employment.

• Shellie-Leah Routh and Ian McInnes were Highly Commended in the category of Sandra Girvan Adult Learner of the Year. Ian had shown his passion for life long learning and Shellie her professionalism as an apprentice working for North Tyneside Council.

• Jeanette Hedley Apprentice of the Year: Andrew Burns won this category, which was named in memory of much-missed North Tyneside Council colleague, Jeanette Hedley. Jeanette’s family were also attendance and kindly sponsored the category.

• Working Roots, a project that offers training and high quality work experience for young people, won Class of the Year and were sponsored by Northern Growth Academy. A speech was given by Mike Furze Regional Director of Kier North Tyneside  one of the programme partners. 

• Young Learner of the Year: Leon Neill, a member of the Working Roots programme, won Young Learner of the Year for the outstanding personal progress he made over the year. This award was sponsored by YMCA North Tyneside and a speech given by Julie Cruddas, Work Development Manager of Justice Prince CIC nominator, and partner of the project.

• English/Maths Learner of the Year award: Joint winners were Gordon McDougall and Steven Graham, due to their resilience and dedication to achieve and attend their classes.

• Volunteer of the Year award: Marie Shepherd won in this category thanks to the dedication shown in supporting learners with additional needs during their classes. This award was sponsored by Bluebird Care North Tyneside.

For more information about adult learning in North Tyneside visit www.northtyneside.gov.uk or call (0191) 643 2288.

ENDS