Youngsters across the West Midlands rewarded for transforming their lives
Youngsters from across the West Midlands have been recognised for taking steps to transform their lives.
Around 150 people turned out for Skills Training UK's biannual West Midlands Celebration of Success at the Quality Hotel, Dudley.
Learners aged between 16 and 24 were honoured with awards and certificates to mark their hard work and progression on traineeships, apprenticeships and vocational BTEC courses.
The youngsters received the awards in front of family, friends and Skills Training UK tutors, as well as employers, further education institutions, the Jobcentre and other organisations.
Most of the young people at Skills Training UK struggled at school or to overcome personal challenges – including Zakariye Kulmiya.
The Wolverhampton Academy pupil was achieved Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Maths before landing an IT Apprenticeship with Digital Marketing Solutions in Small Heath.
The 20-year-old received an Outstanding Achievement in Maths award at the ceremony.
He said: “This has been the best year of my life.
"At school, I messed about and didn’t pay attention, and was really quite down before joining Skills Training UK.
"But I’ve achieved industry-recognised qualifications, improved my confidence, and I’m now ready to pursue a career in software engineering.
"Skills Training UK have been amazing and I’d recommend them to other young people who are getting down on themselves and need some help.”
Dudley learner Chelsea Lovekin won the Oustanding Achievement Award, but was too emotional to speak on the night.
Award presenter Denise Ann Jones said: “Chelsea had been told she wouldn’t amount to anything before joining us.
"She was crying and shaking on her first day but in just five weeks she has completed qualifications in Customer Service and a 50-hour work placement where she won an employee award. Huge congratulations to Chelsea for all she has achieved so far.”
Other winners included Walsall learner Ebony Alcock, who took home an English award, whilst Birmingham student Amaan Khan picked up a Maths award.
Dudley learners Reuben Edwards and Le’andre Bell showcased their singing talents on the night, with Reuben now writing a rap about how his experience changed his life.
Stephen Crawley, chief operating officer at Skills Training UK, said: “It was fantastic to see so many 16-24-year olds from the West Midlands receive the recognition they deserve for making huge progress in their lives and for taking their first step on the career ladder."
The Celebration of Success event took place on May 17.
For more information, visit www.skillstraininguk.com/
