Latest news with #LearneroftheYear
Irish Independent
29-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford students celebrate graduation in Gorey
'Our learners have shown incredible determination, and we are so proud of what they've achieved. Tonight is a celebration of resilience, growth, and achievement,' said Robbie McCabe, Centre Coordinator of Gorey Youthreach. Robbie wished all the graduates the best in the future. 'As the graduates look ahead to new opportunities, a sense of pride was shared by staff, parents and all in attendance,' he said. Special congratulations were given as multiple awards were given to students for their outstanding contribution and dedication to the centre. Awards handed out included: Thomas Keating was named Learner of the Year; Cian Donnelly received the Spirit of Youthreach award; Weronika Hanzelko was awarded QQI Learner of the Year. Students weren't the only ones receiving awards on the night as Gorey Youthreach teacher, Ciara Finn was surprised on the night as she was presented with the WWETB Learner Focused Core Value Award which recognised her commitment to the young students of the centre. The event was supported by family and friends of graduates, with local representatives including Malcolm Byrne TD, Brian Brennan TD and Cllr Mary Farrell. Representatives from the Waterford and Wexford Education Training Board (WWETB) such as Susan Sheahan WWETB and Niall Finn Youthreach BOM showed their support for the young learners and the centre's mission. Gorey Youthreach is one of four education centres in county Wexford. The programme is supported by the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board and aims to give students a second chance at education through work experience and career guidance in preparation for the world of work or post Leaving Certificate education. Robbie added: 'Gorey Youthreach has gone from strength to strength over the past eight years and continues to provide a unique and supportive learning environment for young people in the Gorey area.'
South Wales Argus
06-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly winners celebrated at adult learner awards
Five Caerphilly winners were celebrated at the Gwent Adult Learning Partnership Awards 2024/25, held at Bryn Meadows Golf Club and hosted by Coleg Gwent. Belinda Griffett was named Learner of the Year, while Elizabeth Millington received Tutor of the Year. The Friday Pottery Group won Learner Group of the Year, Helen Millington was named Volunteer of the Year, and Sandra Palmer received the Linda Bailey 'Hwyl' Award. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: "These awards show the power of lifelong learning. "Our winners are a credit to themselves and the wider community – congratulations to each of them." The awards also included contributions from Coleg Gwent leaders and the Learning and Work Institute. Caerphilly Adult Community Learning is part of the Gwent Adult Community Learning Partnership.
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Wrexham woman wins Coleg Cambria Learner of the Year award
Emily Satterthwaite, who works as a carer at Pendine Park's Penybryn care home, was named Learner of the Year at the Coleg Cambria Student Awards 2025. She was selected by a judging panel for the Delivery Partner Learner of the Year accolade, recognising her work. The 34-year-old has been at the care home for six years and has managed to excel in her Level 3 qualification course despite experiencing years of ill health and the death of her father, Keith Richard Bunn, two years ago. As well as battling Crohn's disease herself, she has supported her mum and partner through cancer diagnoses. Ms Satterthwaite, of Coedpoeth, said she 'could not be more delighted' and sees it as a tribute to her late father, her loving family, and herself. She said: "He was a real fighter and believed in carrying on as best you can whatever the odds. "He instilled in me a phenomenal work ethic which I will always be grateful for." Ms Satterthwaite regularly leads the night shift and has achieved a Health and Social Care Level 2 qualification, as well as continuing her care sector training with the care organisation. Her mentor and Pendine Park tutor, Jenna Evans, nominated Ms Satterthwaite for the award, saying she has shown 'indomitable levels of courage' in achieving all she has done in recent years. She said: "Emily's journey is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and commitment to health and social care. "It is remarkable and truly admirable that, despite being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, Emily still chose to work in care. "She has shown such commitment given all the ongoing hardships she and her family have faced." Ms Satterthwaite's ultimate goal is to become a nurse, a job she hopes to pursue after achieving her Level 3 qualification. She said: "It's been my ambition ever since I was a child. "Gaining my nursing qualification would be a dream come true for me. "I would love to work as a palliative nurse in a care home." Ms Satterthwaite's mum, Diane Marie Bunn, who is also a carer at Penybryn, said she is 'enormously proud' of her daughter and 'constantly amazed' at her inner strength. She said: "Emily has been through so much since her teenage years but she has always fought so hard to achieve her ambitions, I could not be more proud of her. "She is an inspiration to me and to others. "It's wonderful to see how much she has progressed, and I'm so pleased for her attaining the Learner of the Year award, she thoroughly deserves it." READ MORE: 'It's so rewarding' – Wrexham volunteer reflects on vital ambulance role Penybryn manager Tracey Cuthill also praised Ms Satterthwaite, saying: "We're all incredibly proud of what Emily has achieved. "Her commitment to learning is truly heroic given everything she has had to overcome to achieve such remarkable success. "She is a credit to herself, a credit to her family, and a credit to Pendine and a role model for all who aspire to be the best they can be."
