Robert’s drive earns Essential Skills success
An Enniskillen man has won a top award at this year’s Essential Skills Awards.
Robert Thornton was presented with the NI Trade Union Essential Skills Learner of the Year 2011 award at a glittering ceremony held at Hillsborough Castle.
Long distance lorry driver Robert’s reasons for returning to study at South West College in Enniskillen were two fold. He wished to gain qualifications to change his career and enable him to spend more time with his family, but Robert also wanted to be able to help his children with their homework.
Having achieved his Essential Skills Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications, Robert is now actively seeking employment in areas of work he never could have before and he also plans to undertake a Foundation Degree. Robert is also currently undertaking Essential Skills Level 2 ICT.
Having realised the benefits of Essential Skills qualifications Robert actively encourages other parents, friend and colleagues friends to undertake study. He said: “My future is no longer a fantasy. I plan to undertake a Foundation Degree and progress to gaining qualifications in order to achieve my new dream of becoming a Sports Dietician/Nutritionist.”
Offering his congratulations to Robert, Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy, said: “Essential Skills have enabled Robert to unlock his potential and opened up a whole range of career possibilities. He is fully deserving of his award.”
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 Trade Union award, six regional award winners and 20 Highly Commended entries, an ICT 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.
