News
Woodworking student wins Vocational Learner of the Year Award
Gary Ramsden from Warwickshire College was named VQ Learner of the Year 2010 (over 25) for the West Midlands, at an exclusive national event in London, hosted by entertainment icon Arlene Phillips at the end of June.
The VQ Learner of the Year Awards are part of VQ Day, a nationwide celebration of people who have gained vocational qualifications. VQ Day raises the stature and demonstrates the benefits of practical and vocational qualifications to future learners, employers and the wider public. The Awards recognise learners who have excelled in their vocational field.
Gary Ramsden attended the national VQ Day event, held at the Royal Horticulture Halls in London. Arlene Phillips OBE was delighted to present Gary with his award, describing Gary as a deserving winner for the West Midlands.
Gary was selected by the judges for his dedication and achievement in vocational learning. Gary completed a City & Guilds 5610 Furniture Production Level 3 allowing him to demonstrate his flair for furniture making. Through his course he was able to create a fantastic portfolio of work and his most notable piece of work, an oak bench showcased at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.
On receiving news of the award win, Gary said: “It’s such an honour to be named as the VQ Learner of the Year for the West Midlands. I want to thank Warwickshire College for all of their support and help. My vocational qualification has helped me to achieve so much already, I’m really proud to be able to highlight the benefits of vocational learning and join in the VQ Day celebrations with the millions of others who gain vocational qualifications each year.”
David Lane, Marketing and Communications Director at independent education foundation Edge and a member of the judging panel, added:
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to honour someone like Gary. There are many paths to success and he is a fantastic example of how individuals can progress through the vocational route to achieve great things. Gary is one of the millions of people who take a vocational qualification every year – VQ Day is a celebration of these learners’ achievements and those who helped them become successful.”
Colleges, learning providers and employers around the country nominated their high-flying vocational students for the VQ Learner Awards. Nearly 500 learners were nominated in total, with nominations judged by a panel comprising representatives from Edge, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Association of Colleges and Business in the Community.
For more information about VQ Day and the VQ Learner Awards, please visit www.vqday.org.uk