The hunt is on in Neath Port Talbot to find the county borough’s most inspiring adult learner.
The Neath Port Talbot Adult Learner of the Year Awards are held during Adult Learners’ Week in May.
The awards are organised by the Lifelong Learning Service in Neath Port Talbot Council. Nominations are now invited to recognise and celebrate the achievements of people who have returned to learning.
The awards acknowledge individuals whose learning achievements will inspire others to return to learning, who have improved their lives or the lives of others and gained a positive life-changing experience from returning to learning.
There are twelve categories of award and an overall award winner will be chosen from all the category winners. Amongst the twelve categories, nominations are accepted for learners in further and higher education, those who undertake their learning in or for the workplace, and from those undertaking their learning in the community.
Young and senior learners are also recognised as well as Welsh learners.
This is the second year that the event has been held. Last year’s overall winner, Barbara Powell, had been unemployed for many years and had overcome many difficulties to take up a work-based learning opportunity at Neath Port Talbot Hospital. She is now employed at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
“The award was a total surprise but an honour which I shall cherish,” said Barbara.
“The Adult Learner Awards are the highlight of the year for adult education in Neath Port Talbot,” said Leader of the Council, Ali Thomas
“It is an opportunity for us to showcase the many deserving and dedicated people who return to adult learning and to celebrate their achievements.
“However, we cannot do this unless we receive nominations, so I would urge people whether they are tutors, employers, or even friends and family of a deserving learner to put their names forward.”
Nominations close on the 26 February 2010. Forms can be obtained from the Lifelong Learning Service on (01639) 898581.
