Hugh Baird College Hosts Prestigious Liverpool City Region Adult Skills Awards 2024
Hugh Baird College recently proudly hosted the Liverpool City Region Adult Skills and Community Awards 2024, on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram.
The awards, held on 22 October 2024 at Bootle Town Hall, recognised students aged 19 and over who have completed adult learning courses using funding secured by Mayor Rotheram and the combined authority.
Hosted by Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross of Greatest Hits Radio, this prestigious event highlighted the transformative power of lifelong learning, showcasing individuals who have completed courses in vital sectors including construction, green skills, digital technology, health, and professional services.
The awards featured regional categories for Sefton, Halton, Liverpool, Knowsley, St. Helens, and Wirral, ensuring that outstanding learners from across the Liverpool City Region were recognised for their contributions and accomplishments.
The winner of the Pathway to Success Award, Rhiannon Loraine, from Wirral Met College shared her inspirational story. She began the year at a low point, struggling with severe anxiety, agoraphobia, and sensory issues, including dyslexia. After three years away from her counselling studies and isolating experience of online classes during Covid-19, she found it challenging to engage in practice sessions. In May, she overcame agoraphobia, began socialising more and completed a solid 50-minute counselling session, earning 'fitness to practice' and securing a placement at Age UK with supervision.
Highlights of the evening included inspiring speeches given by award presenters from across the region, which shared the personal journeys of the winners and the pivotal role that education played in their lives. The event fostered a sense of community, bringing together learners, educators, and local stakeholders to celebrate the spirit of achievement.
Annette Pollitt, Apprenticeship and Widening Participation Lead at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was another winner; taking home the award for Skills Champion of the Year 2024. In partnership with Hugh Baird College, she has upskilled NHS staff through functional skills and short course training, helping them advance into higher roles. She also championed a Pre-Apprenticeship programme, offering adults without formal qualifications a pathway into the NHS.
James Bilsborrow won the award for Visitor Economy Adult Learner of the Year. His nominator, Stephen Otty, a tutor at Hugh Baird College, said:
James began his journey at Hugh Baird College in 2023, enrolling on a ten-week Culinary Award after becoming unemployed. His determination and resilience were evident as he completed the course with Distinction, producing top-quality dishes.
He joined a full-time Level 2 Diploma in Culinary Arts that same year. James excelled again, achieving Distinction grades and receiving outstanding feedback for his attitude and skills. Over the summer, he completed industry-standard work experience at the Silverstone Grand Prix with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, who were so impressed that they offered him part-time work at other high-profile events.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Employment, Education and Skills and Leader of Sefton Council, said:
We are ambitious about upskilling the city region’s workforce and this year made the largest investment yet into adult skills training – almost £60m. Our adult education budget traditionally supports more than 30,000 students with 75% from disadvantaged areas so it is great that we celebrate the achievements of our inspirational learners and providers.
Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College said:
Celebrating the achievements of our adult learners is crucial. These awards not only honour the hard work and determination of individuals but also demonstrate the significant impact that lifelong learning has on our communities. Each story of success encourages others to pursue their educational goals.
A full list of awards and winners can be seen below:
- Construction Adult Learner of the Year Award: Aiden Lees, Southport Education Group
- Manufacturing, Warehousing & Logistics Adult Learner of the Year Award: Kyle Evans, The Learning Foundry
- Professional & Business Services Adult Learner of the Year Award: Elizabeth Kenny-Reilly, St Helens Adult & Community Learning
- Visitor Economy Adult Learner of the Year Award: James Bilsborrow, Hugh Baird College
- Green Skills Adult Learner of the Year Award: Stuart Ritchie, Hugh Baird College
- Sefton Adult & Community Skills Learner of the Year Award: Andrew Moore, Hugh Baird College
- Halton Adult & Community Skills Learner of the Year Award: Mary McLoughlin, Halton Adult Learning
- Liverpool Adult & Community Skills Learner of the Year Award: Sleiman Darwish, City of Liverpool College
- Knowsley Adult & Community Skills Learner of the Year Award: Helen Partington, FACE
- St Helens Adult & Community Skills Learner of the Year Award: Emma Ashton, St Helens Adult & Community Learning
- Wirral Adult & Community Skills Learner of the Year Award: Michelle Charnley, Wirral Met College
- Pathway to Success Award: Rhiannon Loraine, Wirral Met College
- Skills Champion of the Year Award: Annette Pollitt, NHS
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Hugh Baird College is a leading educational institution in the Liverpool City Region, dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to learners of all ages. The College offers a range of courses designed to equip students for success in a rapidly changing job market.
