Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett today congratulated the fourteen top winners of this year’s National Training Awards. He said that their stories illustrated the commitment to learning which was essential to Britain’s future prosperity.
The special award-winners, two individuals and twelve employers, were chosen from 58 nationwide winners. Speaking at an awards ceremony at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in London today, Mr Blunkett said:
" The world is changing fast, as are the demands of business and services. To make sure that everyone gets their chance to participate, and to benefit, we want a society in which everyone continues learning.
"The award-winners’ perseverance and success are living proof that learning works. Each of the winners has a unique and inspiring story to tell which illustrates the love of learning and the commitment needed to meet the skill needs of the future.
" We continue to find people and organisations achieving extraordinary success by learning new skills and developing new ways of working:
" Jeanne Davis started an NVQ Business Administration course after raising her family. The course opened the door to her first job as a part-time receptionist in a GP surgery.
"She then took further courses in Practice reception and management and is now a practice manager. In her determination to develop, train and manage herself and others, Ms Davis is a fine example of lifelong learning.
"I was also very impressed by a training initiative devised by Knowsley Community College in Huyton, Merseyside in partnership with the Army, which has achieved some remarkable results. The programme sets out to tackle social exclusion in one of the most disadvantaged areas in the country by providing disaffected young people with a ‘no commitment’ introduction to Army life. Many have obtained extra practical qualifications, and more than 60% of those completing the course have enlisted.
" UfI’s service will be fully launched in Autumn 2000 and will make it easier for people like Ms Davis to keep up with her studies. They will also be able to save for learning with an individual learning account, which will next year offer generous discounts on courses.
" We are introducing radical reforms which will strengthen and streamline post 16 education and training. The proposed new Learning and Skills Council, which comes into being in April 2001 will be responsible for planning around £5 billion of public money involving over five million learners, with a big role for business.
Mr Blunkett also announced the ten finalists in the Millennium Excellence awards, a one-off competition run in partnership with Manpower Plc, which was open to previous NTA winners in the Employer category. Finalists have shown that their organisation is fit to meet the challenge of the new Millennium. The judges will select three winners from the 10 finalists. The successful organisations will be announced at a major ceremony to be held in the New Year.
