18 Jul ACL Essex Awards Outstanding Chelmsford Learners at Award Ceremony
Adult learning provider, ACL Essex, celebrated Chelmsford-based learners at its Annual Achievement Awards ceremony, held at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford on 6 July 2022.
ACL Essex helps learners to step on and progress up the career ladder and achieve their personal and professional goals. The learning provider also offers a wide range of courses to support mental wellbeing, languages, plus arts and crafts. The awards ceremony shines a light on those who have achieved outstanding things during their time at ACL. Awards include Personal Growth and Achievement, which recognises learners who have improved their social or learning skills, while the Supporting Others award is given to people who have provided exceptional support to their fellow learners.
Over 30 awards were handed to ACL Essex learners, and among the recipients were Chelmsford-based Helene Mayes, Suzanne Smithies, and Danielle Kelly.
Helene Mayes has completed many courses at ACL Chelmsford and said: “Every course I’ve done has been life changing. The parenting course where I learnt about proactive behaviour management completely changed the atmosphere in my home, and we’re a much happier family as a result.” Going on to talk about career prospects, Helene added: “I had no idea where I wanted to go, so Jane (a family learning tutor) suggested to me that I did the ‘This is Your Year’ course. The introspection part of it was huge for me and as a result of the course, I have a five-year plan. I’m going to be a counsellor with the help of ACL.”
On receiving the Lifelong Learning Award, Helene said: “It was a complete shock. I was not expecting it, but I’m completely humbled and grateful. It’s really nice to be recognised and appreciated; it’s really motivational.”
Suzanne Smithies is also based in Chelmsford but studied the Adult Social Care Level 3 qualification online with ACL. She is a carer in the community, wants to progress in her career and would like to become a manager or a teacher for new carers.
Speaking about ACL, Suzanne said: “I wanted to further my knowledge and ACL was an option for me. It was easy to step into and it was flexible, so I could do the work in my own time and arrange meetings and tutorials around my work pattern.”
Upon receiving the Personal Growth and Achievement Award, Suzanne added: “I couldn’t get my head around it. I’ve never won anything in my life, but it’s nice to feel recognised for learning at my age.”
Danielle Kelly also takes courses at ACL Chelmsford, including English, Maths, art and employability. Proud father Roger was cheering on Danielle at the ceremony when she received the Making the Difference Award and said: “The courses have given her a lot of confidence. She’s really keen on trying to learn English and Maths now and she’s confident she can do it because she understands it more.” A fellow learner nominated Danielle for this award for her contribution to classes and for being a friend.
Speaking of the awards ceremony, Katherine Burns, ACL Essex Principal, said: “It’s so moving to see standout learners being recognised for their achievements. Our learners are making courageous steps towards changing their lives and I’m proud to celebrate their successes.”
Also in attendance was Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability. He said: “The annual ACL Essex Achievement Awards celebrates the fantastic accomplishments of learners, partner organisations and staff. I believe that lifelong learning is key to enabling the people of Essex to have equal access to excellent learning and training opportunities, as well as helping to improve quality of life, support others in the community and help our children to aspire to great things.”
Over 100 people attended the ceremony in Chelmsford, and there were over 30 award recipients who were nominated by their teachers and fellow learners.
To discover more about the ACL Essex Awards, visit www.aclessex.com/acl-awards2022/.
