Mike Smith, Managing Director of GEN II welcomed learners and guests from the Furness and South Lakes area to the first ceremony to have taken place since the centre was taken over by GEN II earlier last year.
On 29th October GEN II held their South Cumbria Learner Awards Ceremony for 2009 celebrating the success and achievement of apprentices and learners from the Furness centre in completing their first year of training with GEN II.
In his opening speech Mike Smith said “over the last 9 years over 1,200 apprentices have been trained by GEN II. The choice of a vocational training programme should never be considered as an easy option. Our apprentices undergo a rigorous and exacting recruitment process, and throughout their training successfully pass a multitude of examinations and assessment before they complete their Apprenticeship. Our congratulations also go to our Adult Learners many of whom have undertaken Business Improvement Techniques training helping local companies to reduce costs and wastage, increase profitability and lower staff turnover.”
There were 8 awards presented in total recognising best apprentice for each discipline, best overall Adult Learner as well as special awards recognising the personal efforts the learners make in their own studies and in the community. The winners of the South Cumbria Awards were:
• Adam Bunting, GEN II South Cumbria Learner of the Year
• Adam Bunting, Mechanical Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
• David Hill, Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice of the Year
• Daniel Lightfoot, Electrical Apprentice of the Year
• Joe Pickthall, Most Improved Learner Award
• Jake Holmes, Youth Community Award
• James Duerden, Breakthrough Award
• Michelle Jupp, Adult Learner of the Year
Amongst the winners was Jake Holmes from Barrow in Furness who won the Youth Community Award. Mike Smith, Managing Director of GEN II, presented the award explaining that “the winner of the award has dedicated a great deal of personal time and commitment to raising money for Sandside Lodge in Ulverston, which is a special school which his younger brother attends. Along with his band members Jake held a series of fund raising gigs to raise money for a specially adapted playground for the school before going on to make a CD to generate even more money. A worthy cause and a worthy winner.”
Also in addition to the engineering awards James Duerden, from Lindal, Ulverston, who was presented with the Breakthrough Award for his natural ability and eagerness to learn his engineering trade, despite having to overcome not only dyslexia but also Attention Deficit Disorder. His achievements have already been recognised as he reached the finals of the Learning and Skills Councils Excellence in Cumbria Awards earlier this year. Representatives from his employer, Oxley Developments Ltd, were in attendance at the ceremony to congratulate James for his achievements.
The prestigious title of GEN II Learner of the Year was awarded to Adam Bunting, who also won the Mechanical Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Award. Despite living in West Cumbria Adam made the 3 hour round trip per day to attend the Furness Centre to undertake a Fabrication apprenticeship. Adam showed unrivalled dedication and natural engineering ability making him a worthy winner of the South Cumbria Awards. Adam is now on placement at Sellafield Ltd.
Details of the finalists from the Furness Centre will join those from the Carlisle and West Cumbria ceremonies, the winners of which will be invited to the Grand Final to be held in the ENERGUS facility later in the year.
