Leo and Mary in award success

An Enniskillen man and a woman from Roslea have both won a prestigious award at this year’s Essential Skills Awards.

Leo Naan and Mary McElroy were announced as joint winners of the Co Fermanagh Essential Skills Learner of the Year 2011 award at a glittering ceremony held at Hillsborough Castle.

Like many people, Leo realised that Essential Skills were necessary if he wished to progress his career as a plasterer.  After regularly missing out on job vacancies due to his skills gap, Leo embarked on a course of study at South West College in Enniskillen which resulted in Level 1 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy. Leo is now progressing with his Level 2 courses and, equipped with these skills, hopes to start his own plastering business. In addition, he aims to pass on his skills by becoming a part-time plastering instructor. Not only that, Leo is now able to play a fuller part in family life by getting involved with his daughters’ schoolwork.

Commenting on his learning experience, Leo said: “I heard about the free Essential Skills classes and how they could help people to improve their chances in life. My qualifications mean I don’t feel excluded and now I have a whole new outlook and ambition in life.”

Congratulating Leo, Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy, said: “Leo’s achievements prove the real value of Essential Skills, whether at work or at home and I hope that his story provides the inspiration for others to follow his example. He is a worthy winner of his award. ”

A widowed mother of five, Mary’s contract of employment was due to end. In order to reapply for the post, Mary knew she had to improve her skills and qualifications. Having gained Essential Skills Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy at South West College in Enniskillen, Mary not only hopes to continue in her employment as a Learner Support Worker but has a number of other ideas for her future – these include setting up a home based knitting business, writing articles for women’s magazines and perhaps even writing her autobiography.

Commenting on her Essential Skills experience, Mary said: “I’m thrilled that I have achieved up-to-date qualifications. I’m more confident and can apply my communication skills to everyday personal and work situations.”

Congratulating Mary on her award, the Minister, Danny Kennedy, said: “Mary has gained new skills which will undoubtedly enhance her career prospects and this is a lesson for us all as we seek to upskill our workforce. An Essential Skills Award is fitting reward for her efforts.”

The Minister went on to highlight the benefits of improved Essential Skills, including greater self-confidence, improved job prospects and career opportunities. He said: “To date, over 56,000 learners have gained almost 100,000 qualifications through my Department’s free Essential Skills provision and, in doing so, have helped to build better futures.  In the current economic climate, where employers need a workforce that is literate, numerate and confident with ICT, the need for investment in Essential Skills has never been greater.”

The Minister continued: “It is vital that we bring learning to the vast majority of adults already in employment, many of whom have moved beyond the reach of the traditional education system.  A continuing commitment to Essential Skills provision will deliver the workplace skills which are essential for both economic growth and personal progression and are necessary for people to be able to adapt to change.”

Speaking at the event, Catherine Bell, Deputy Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning, said: “Everyone honoured today exemplifies the commitment and dedication of learners right across Northern Ireland. The Essential Skills Awards are a fitting acknowledgement of their efforts and I congratulate each of the winners on their success.”

This is the fourth year of the Awards, which are designed to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in literacy, numeracy and ICT learning.  In addition to the six regional award winners and 20 Highly Commended entries, an ICT award, a Trade Union award and an overall Learner of the Year award were presented.  An Essential Skills Champion, in recognition of the outstanding contribution by an individual to the Essential Skills agenda, was announced and an award for Essential Skills Quality of Provision was also presented.