Hundreds gathered to celebrate the successes of students from across Bedfordshire who are part of The Bedford College Group.
Those aged 16+ who attend college locations in Bedford, Kempston and Shuttleworth met at the Kings House in Ampthill Road, Bedford for the exciting evening.
Further and Higher Education awards were made to those who completed a wide range of nationally-recognised qualifications and apprenticeships, as well as full degrees.
Outstanding Student and FE Student of the Year was Alison Hibbert a UAL Level 3 General Extended Diploma in Art & Design: Fine Art whose work had achieved national recognition. Lecturer Steve Harris said: “For Alice’s work to be chose from 21,000 entries as one of only 100 to be exhibited at the Royal Academy this year was a tremendous achievement.”
https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/about/news/selected-from-21000/
Daniel McAllister, who completed an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering was the Outstanding Engineering Student. He was one of two college students who were finalists in the Association of Colleges awards this year.
Apprentice of the Year was Lijo Kandathill, Higher Apprenticeship Care Leadership & Management who overcame the challenges of studying during Covid within a care home setting.
Training co-ordinator Carole Hobbs said: “I don’t think we can underestimate how challenging it was to study during the Covid period in a care setting. Lijo really is an inspiration and role model to others and proof and what an be achieved during exceptionally difficult circumstances.”
Higher Education Student of the Year was Ben Grayson with a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Computing. Ben is now working in cyber security having taken part in the World Skills UK representing The Bedford College Group. Ben worked with tutor Daniel Hulatt to develop cyber security expertise across the whole college department.
Shuttleworth College student Abigail Stevens, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, won the Student Participation Award. She engaged confidentially with students, governors and even Ofsted inspectors.
Winners among the super staff at The Bedford College Group were: Angela Harding, Team Leader at the Learning Resources Centre based at Shuttleworth College – widening participation at the facility for all.
Martin Johnson IT Technician who made an outstanding contribution during the challenges of lockdowns and the demands of “working from home”.
Jess Day, Practical Instructor Outdoor Adventure. Her line manager Helen Day said: “Jess is the heart and soul of the Outdoor Adventure course. She is who student-focused and committed to ensuring every student achieves their potential.”
Jess also won the Elizabeth Nash UnSung Hero of the Year award.
James Woolley and Team were honoured to be finalists in the national Pearson Teaching Awards and he was “presented” with his “Silver” Award at the college event on Thursday, November 24.
The actual national ceremony was due to be held on Saturday November 26th, Here he is pictured with new Bedfordshire Principal Karen Campbell. The new role is mirrored in Northamptonshire, while Ian Pryce CBE remains Group-wide CEO, with two deputies Em Lowe and Pat Jones.
CEO Ian Pryce CBE thanked Bedford councillors and businesses for their support in securing funding for refurbishment of the riverside Tower Block which will be a shining symbol of higher and further education in the town centre.
Funding from a variety of Government sources means that The Bedford College Group is investing FIVE TIMES what an average college is doing, thus benefitting 15,000 current, and future, students.
The Group works with 1,400 employers, delivering nearly 2,000 apprentices and a further 2,000 businesses help with other work experience opportunities.
It is now the 14th biggest college group in the UK and the largest not serving a major city.
Inspirational speaker for the evening was Amani Simpson an award-winning social entrepreneur and life coach. He has received four million view of his You Tube film Amani.
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