Excellence Gateway

The sixth annual LSIS STAR Awards – the Oscars of the learning and skills sector – were held in London on 26 November 2009, with a college vice principal, a union learning rep and a photojournalism lecturer among those honoured.

The awards recognise the dedication and expertise of the people who, on a daily basis, make a significant contribution to improving the skill levels of young people and adult learners. The winners were honoured at a glittering, cosmos themed national ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London, which was attended by over 500 learning and skills sector staff and learners from across England.

The 11 award winners:

Teaching, training and learning practitioner – peer nomination
Manjit Johal, team leader, Sandwell College

Teaching, training and learning practitioner – learner nomination
Neil Maclean, teacher, JHP Training, Birmingham

Response to learners' needs
Regional Centre for Learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (team), City College Norwich

Workforce development
Kevin Maddeys, union learning rep/NVQ assessor, First Group Bus Depot, Great Yarmouth

Learning support
Billy Courtney, specialist tutor, Newcastle College

Innovation
Sarah Snowdon, manager of OLASS contract, The Isle of Wight College

Skills for Life
Maggie Harnew, Skills for Life lecturer, Abingdon and Witney College

Engaging employers
Terence Anslow, contracts manager, Telford College of Arts and Technology

Support role
Gerrard Shaw, senior IT technician, Redbridge Institute of Adult Education

Leadership
Kanwal Patter, vice principal – Skills for Life and community cohesion, The Working Men’s College

Lifetime achievement
Paul Delmar, lecturer, photojournalism, Norton College, part of The Sheffield College