Member Article

Putting Trust in learning gains top award

The best training provider in the North East was recently named at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North East’s Celebration of Learning and Skills (CoLaS) Awards 2008.

The Prince’s Trust, which works with over 4000 disadvantaged young people across the region every year, was named Provider of the Year at the ceremony, held at the Sage Gateshead. The Trust caught the eye of the judges for its innovative and creative approaches in helping unemployed young people, those who are struggling at school, those leaving care and ex-offenders to take up training or work opportunities.

Les Walton, Managing Director of award sponsor northern education, said: “We were very impressed by the Prince’s Trust submission for the Colas Award. They were able to show in their bid how they impact on the lives of young people through learning.”

Prince’s Trust Regional Director, David Beavis, said: “The real stars of our award are the young people we work with. It is our job to look for opportunities and to open doors for them, but ultimately it is in their hands to take things further and make the most of the learning and work experiences which are presented to them. Thousands of young people have already changed their lives as a result and that for us is reward enough.”

The Prince’s Trust also works to alleviate potential skill shortages in the region. One of the latest projects, GET INTO DRY STONE WALLING, has involved the support of The National Trust, Stockton Riverside College, The Dry Stone Walling Association and others. Its aim is to tackle youth unemployment in rural deprived areas by providing opportunities in rural construction skills.

The full list of winners, sponsors and photography from the CoLaS awards are available by visiting www.lsc.gov.uk/colas08.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .