Well done to all in the Learning and Skills awards

22 November 2023

More than 30 people now have Outstanding Learner Awards for their work on a range of courses, achieving qualifications in everything from preparing for work to maths and English.

Their achievements were celebrated at City Hall as they received certificates from the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Dorothy Trueman.

Everyone who won an award has taken part in a course through the Sunderland Learning and Skills Service. The courses are designed to help Sunderland residents improve their wellbeing, skills and employment prospects.

Over the past year The Learning and Skills Service has offered over 450 learning opportunities to residents of Sunderland and 97% of learners completed their course along with developing confidence, self-esteem and improved wellbeing.

Of the learners, 59% moved onto further learning, volunteering, and employment.

Thanking everyone who attended the learner celebration event, Councillor Linda Williams, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, said: "Everyone who has taken part in these courses can feel proud of their achievement, and I'd like to congratulate everyone who has received their new qualifications.

"The Sunderland Learning and Skills service offers high-quality learning and training to empower people and help them realise their full potential. Its brilliant to see the positive impact these courses can have on people's lives."

A wide range of courses are available through the Learning and Skills Service, allowing people to gain more knowledge and skills for personal and professional development.

Kaci Cox was one of the learners receiving an award at the event. She moved back to Sunderland recently and struggled to find work, but a Preparation for Work and Employability course through Sportscape helped to boost her confidence and secure her a job in retail.

She said: "I suffered with social anxiety but I really enjoyed my course and its helped me boost my confidence."

The courses were provided by Apextra, Brightsparks, Cultural Creatives CIC, Eden Training, Foundation of Light, Learning Concepts, Michael Erskine, Northern Rights, Pallion Action Group, Penshaw View Training, Sportscape, Three 13, Training in Care, Uplift and Winnovation.

Michael Colclough, Head of Skills at Foundation of Light, said: "We want to help people to be their best selves, and that can mean helping people with their self-esteem and confidence. However we also want to help people take that next step after they've built confidence, so we work with employers throughout the city to help our learners into work so they can put their new skills to use."

All courses through the Learning and Skills service are available to Sunderland residents who are at least 19 years old and not in employment.

Anyone interested in taking part in a course can browse opportunities at Find a course - Sunderland City Council.

Sunderland Learning and Skills Service are backed by the Department of Education - Education and Skills Funding Agency.