VQ Awards

Dave Hughes
HND Graphics, National Diploma in Art & Design

Achieving the highest triple distinction possible in his National Diploma in Art and Design, Dave went on to complete an HND in Graphic Design before setting-up his own marketing and design agency, elloDave, which employs students who want to follow in his footsteps. In his spare time he's studying for a Masters in Design Management.

Corrine Patmore
BTEC National Diploma in IT

Corinne achieved a triple distinction in her BTEC National Diploma in IT, and is now in her third year of university, on track to receive a first class honours degree in Education. Her passion for teaching - exemplified by her eagerness to volunteer and support her peers at college events made her a standout candidate for the award.

Joseph Johnson
Level 2 Diploma Professional Cookery

Joseph, who has successfully completed a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery, impressed the judges with his leadership of the college hospitality team's enterprise project, The Forest Ferret, which now sells its own range of jams and preserves in outlets across the Mansfield area. This resulted in him being hand-picked by West Nottinghamshire College to attend an evening reception of the London Entrepreneurial Exchange.

Rachael de Bose
AAT

After taking on an office management position at construction company QSS, Rachael's responsibilities were extended to bookkeeping and accountancy. To enable herself to excel in her new role, she independently signed up for the Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) qualification, completing all three levels in eight months, in addition to working a full time week. Now proficient in two roles, Rachael has become invaluable to her employer and is on her way to becoming a Chartered Accountant.

James Giblin
Level 3 Diploma in Public Services

James excelled at college and showed commitment and dedication to the Fire Cadets, where he volunteers. He is currently placed at Birchwood and Stockton Heath Fire Station as a Fire Cadet Leader, where he helps other cadets and leaders work towards their BTEC National Diploma in Fire Safety, and after completing his Level 3 Diploma in July, will be attending Wolverhampton University to embark on a Fire and Rescue degree.

Adam Bushnell
NVQ3 & ACA3 in Bench Joinery

After completing his NVQ 2, ICA, NVQ 3 and ACA in Bench Joinery, Adam has won various awards including SkillBuild Regional Bench Joinery Competition in 2007 and the SkillBuild National Bench Joinery Competition in 2008 along with competing in WorldSkills 2008 and 2012. His success is continuing to grow as he is now the manager of his own business.

Ian Henderson
Advanced Level 3 Management

Ian seized the opportunities during his apprenticeship at Cotswolds Outdoors and surpassed expectations in his performance. Having demonstrated his capability by boosting sales figures and successfully aiding a store launch in Newcastle, Ian was selected to manage another store when a colleague fell ill and managed to heighten productivity and morale, he increased loyalty card openings from 8% to 22%. 

Margaret Green
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Health (Pharmacy Services)

Margaret overcame life-long learning barriers to receive a distinction for her Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Health (Pharmacy Services). After completing her Apprenticeship, based at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary's Pharmacy Department, Margaret successfully applied for the position of Staff Health and Wellbeing Champion for Pharmacy.

Chris Emery
NVQ3 Professional Cookery & Hospitality Supervision

Chris secured seven vocational qualifications in the field of food and hospitality as well as excelling in various competitions. He now works at the world-famous Roux family at the Waterside Inn in Bray and continues to return to college regularly to offer advice to students.

Adam Taylor
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Musical Theatre

A real life 'Billy Elliott' from Bridgend who has set the dance world alight with a talent and commitment his college tutors had rarely witnessed before, has won a Wales-wide award for his efforts. Adam Taylor, 18, from Bridgend, has been named VQ Learner of the Year.

Kyle Wilson
HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Kyle Wilson, who completed a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship, was named VQ Learner of the Year 2012 for Scotland. He was presented with his award at Forth Valley College on Wednesday 20th June.

Adrian Canning
Levels 2 and 3 in Electro-Technology

Adrian Canning, an electrician with RMG Electrics in Limavady, was announced as the Northern Ireland VQ Learner of the Year 2012, after winning gold medals in Skillbuild NI electrical competitions as well as winning the Skillelectric UK final in 2011. He is currently vying for a place in Squad UK at Worldskills 2013.