SkillsActive chief operating officer David Henwood helped judge the first ever Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards ceremony on 17 November.
David says the awards, split into three categories (Open, Academy, and Apprenticeship programmes), recognise and celebrate the learning achievements and resulting career and personal successes, of those who have completed a qualification with SkillsActive's approved training provider, Lifetime.
David was invited to be a judge alongside David Foster (Lifetime CEO), Carole Bishop (Head of Lifetime Awarding), Spencer Melhman (NotGoingToUni).
David says: "It was a real honour to talk to the 20 finalists and learn what a difference their new found skills and knowledge in the active leisure, learning and wellbeing sector has made to them and those around them.”
Mark Davey, 31, from Westcliff-on-Sea was crowned the open category and Overall winner of the 2011 Awards. Mark overcame health issues and is now a fulltime gym manager, running his own exercise referral company and helping give back to those suffering similar health conditions.
Rachel Hobbs, 21, from Guildford was named as Apprenticeship programme category winner with a story of determination and passion to succeed for the sake of her young son.
The Academy category prize was scooped by Londoner Ian Perkins, a young man who has well and truly turned his life around through training.
20 finalists were shortlisted for the inaugural 2011 Lifetime Learner Achievement Awards, from an impressive 130 nominations. For further information on the 2012 awards, please visit www.lifetimeawards.co.uk
