Hull learner wins top national learning award

11/06/2009

Hull learner Danielle Taylor is celebrating her success today after winning an award at the national learndirect Achievement Awards Ceremony.

Hull learner Danielle Taylor is celebrating her success today after winning an award at the national learndirect Achievement Awards Ceremony.

Danielle Taylor won the national Skills for Work Award, sponsored by Jobcentre Plus, which recognises learners who have undertaken learndirect learning in order to return to work, as well as those employed learners who have been supported by their employer to undertake learndirect learning, resulting in development of their career or benefits to the business.

Danielle first enrolled with learndirect in January 2008, and returned in April 2008 to improve her literacy skills. She was delighted to achieve a level 1 qualification, and following an advice session with tutors at IB2K in Hull, Danielle decided to pursue a career in the care sector. She was helped to secure a work placement, and then started her NVQ in Health and Social Care. Danielle has since secured permanent work as a carer with Foxglove Care, and staff members there have been delighted with her effort and progress.

On winning the national award, Danielle said:

“I was just stuck at home before I came to learndirect. I wanted to find something that would get me motivated, and after two years of hard work, I am now working in a job that I love at Foxglove Care.”

The learndirect Achievement Awards, now in their third year, celebrate learners who are going that extra mile to learn new skills, businesses whose employees are gaining new qualifications, and the people and centres supporting them. The Awards recognise people from all walks of life, for example learners who have overcome personal difficulties or have returned to learning after many years, and businesses working with learndirect to train their workforce.

Danielle had previously won the Skills for Work Award at the Yorkshire and Humber regional learndirect Achievement Awards in July.

TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, who presented the awards with his wife Ruth Langsford said:

"Ruth and I are both delighted to support the learndirect Achievement Awards. We have worked with learndirect in the past to highlight the difference learning can make to people’s lives, and have seen first-hand how learners from across the UK are boosting their skills, improving their job prospects and becoming more confident. All the finalists are truly inspiring, and we were honoured to help celebrate their success at the national learndirect Achievement Awards ceremony.”

Chief Executive of learndirect, Sarah Jones said:

“The national winners and highly commended finalists have shown exceptional determination, and have gone that extra mile to learn new skills and improve their qualifications, or have supported others to achieve their goals. These finalists are an inspiration to millions of learners, support staff and businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and truly deserve recognition.”