VTS learner wins the BBC/LSC Big Skill Award
VTS is delighted to announce that our learner, Lesley Townsend, is the overall winner of the BBC East/LSC Essex Big Skill Award 2009. Lesley was a double winner of two awards at a ceremony held at the Shire Hall, Chelmsford – the “Skills for Work Award” for people who have shown true commitment to developing their skills in the workplace, and the prestigious “Big Skill Excellence Award for 2009”.
The judging panel (including Ray Stubbs, BBC sports presenter, representatives of the LSC, Local Press and BBC Essex) presented awards to 18 finalists during the evening, but there was only one overall winner in recognition of outstanding achievement and excellence – Lesley Townsend.As well as receiving her awards, certificates and gift vouchers, Lesley was interviewed live on BBC Essex the following day by presenter Dave Monk, and will feature in local news reports and LSC/BBC publicity across Essex.
Lesley receiving her award from BBC presenter Ray Stubbs
Lesley said: “I was slightly shellshocked on the night – I didn’t expect this at all! When I went into Care I had no qualifications at all, but my aim was to build up my career and move on to be the manager of a care home. I worked my way up from shift leader to a senior role, and while I was doing this I was working towards my NVQ at level 2, and then the level 3.
VTS organised my training at no cost and were very supportive. My assessor, Helen, has helped so much – if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have been able to complete the training – she’s supported me through the good and bad times, and I really want to pay tribute to her. I had the full support of my family as well, and with people like that backing you, you can go all the way. Eventually my manager left and I took over managership of the home, and now I’m supporting other people. Now, with my experience and qualifications, I can go on to run a bigger home, or go into nursing if I want to.
Lesley (centre) with VTS assessor Helen Kosoglu (right) and runner-up Katie Morgan
Training has opened so many doors – I’m thinking about doing my NVQ level 4, which is degree level. I encourage all the people in my home to undertake NVQ training, and I say “If I can do it, so can you!” You can do anything you want – my advice is just go and do it!”
Dave Monk, BBC presenter, said: “When I was on the judging panel, looking through all the details of your life, you just leaped out above everybody else, and there was some brilliant competition. The decision was just unanimous You’re the winner of all winners, the inspiration of all inspirations!”
Lesley with BBC Essex presenter Dave Monk
The awards ceremony followed a day-long showcase event outside the Shire Hall, where people could try their hand at different skills taught by training providers and colleges in Essex, and be given general advice and guidance on training options.
VTS's market stall at the Big Skill Event, with Jackie Kershaw, (Assessor), Elizabeth Buxton, (Operations Manager) and Gail Cooksey (MD).
Gail Cooksey, VTS’s Managing Director, said: “Obviously, we're all really delighted for Lesley - she's worked really hard for her NVQ's at level 2 and 3, and to be the overall winner of the Big Skills Event is a testament to her dedication - we were at the event to support her, and we're all really proud of her. What has especially impressed us, and the judges, was that Lesley is using her experiences and skills to encourage others to get qualified - she wants her colleagues to gain the qualification as well, and in fact, another learner at Lesley's Care Home, Katie Morgan, was nominated for the Big Skills "Skills for Work" award and was runner-up.
At VTS, we supply government funded training in Health and Social Care and Childcare and would be interested in talking to anyone who wants to follow in Lesley's footsteps. We can be contacted on 01702 353557 ".
