The winners in Norfolk's inaugural The Big Skill Awards 2008 were announced on Friday (30th May) at a ceremony held in front of the Forum in Norwich.
The Big Skill Awards 2008, run by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in partnership with BBC Radio Norfolk, recognise and reward people who have improved their life or the lives of others through learning.
Learners and training providers from across the county won in seven categories:
| 14 - 16 Learner Award | WINNER: Kayleigh Topley, 16, from Norwich |
| 17 - 19 Learner Award | WINNER: Chad Hogben, 19, from Swaffham |
| Adult Learner Award | WINNER: Christian Ashworth, 34, from Great Yarmouth |
| Skills for the Community Award | WINNER: Lorraine Waller, 26, from Norwich |
| Skills for Work Award | WINNER: Karen Archer, 40, from Norwich |
| Workforce Learning Award | WINNER: Premier Foods in Methwold, Thetford |
| The Learners' Champion Award | WINNER: Sharon Holsey, 50, from North Walsha |
For the full winners listing please click here to download our press release (pdf)
Chad Hogben, 19, won the 17 - 19 Learner Award, and also scooped the Big Skill Excellence award, chosen from the winners of each category. Chad has dealt with and overcome tragic personal circumstances to turn his life around and excel on his Trowel Trades Apprenticeship.
Judges described Chad as inspirational for the effort he has put into his course and his successes at work. Chad is exceeding expectations and is expected to progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship in Brickwork later this year.
Chad was surprised to win the 17 - 19 Learner Award and even more so when it was announced he was the winner of the Big Skill Excellence Award 2008. Chad said: "I'm really pleased and proud - I wasn't expecting these awards! I know how much it means to my grandparents too, which makes me happy because they've been such a big help."
The winners were announced on Friday in an outdoor awards ceremony that was open to the public to attend. Winners were presented with a trophy and £250 of vouchers by Kenny Logan, who returned to Norwich to present the awards after launching The Big Skill in February this year. Kenny learned a new skill last year when he competed in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and also learned to read as an adult due to dyslexia.
The Big Skill Awards culminated on Friday following a day long showcase event outside the Forum followed by the evening awards ceremony. The showcase event saw members of the public try their hand at different skills that are taught by colleges and training providers in Norfolk including tractor control and building wind turbines. There were also stage demonstrations and performances from learners across the county, such as dancing and a fashion show from City College Norwich.
BBC Radio Norfolk presenters showed their support for The Big Skill by demonstrating on stage the new skills they have been learning since The Big Skill launched. Four BBC Radio Norfolk presenters have taken up new learning opportunities and successfully completed courses; Stephen Bumfrey - cookery, Nicky Price - singing, Graham Barnard - driving a bus and Karen Buchanan - Indian head massage.
Tim Bishop, Head of Region BBC East and Chair of The Big Skill judging panel said: "The standard of entries for The Big Skill Awards were outstanding. We received more than 70 nominations from learners across Norfolk who have all been successful in their learning and should be very proud of their achievements."
Graham Brough, Area Director at LSC Norfolk, who also sat on the panel of judges for The Big Skill, said: "The Big Skill Awards have done a fantastic job of raising awareness of the learning and training opportunities on offer in Norfolk and have celebrated and recognised the real achievements of learners across the county. The Big Skill winners should be an inspiration to others and show that it is possible to overcome challenges and learn new skills that can open doors and change lives for the better."
