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South Devon Skills Awards 2012 celebrates business success

The second annual South Devon Skills Awards took place on Wednesday 28 March, at a packed out Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay.
The event was organised by Torbay Council's economic development company, Torbay Development Agency (TDA), with support from Productive Skills for the Heart of the South West, to celebrate success in employment skills and training throughout South Devon.
Gareth Brocklehurst, Director of GAP Recruitment, Chair of the Torbay and South Devon Employment & Skills Board and TDA Board Member, formally opened the ceremony.
A total of 12 awards were presented in recognition of a variety of accomplishments and contributions to skills and workforce development.
TDA and Productive Skills for the Heart of the South West congratulate the following award winners:
Achieving Skills for Life - Luke Cannings
Trainer, Tutor or Mentor who most inspires others to learn - Jane Washington
Employee who most inspires others to learn - Martin Cavanna
Learning Against the Odds - Mark Clifford
Young Apprentice of the Year - Lloyd Lee
Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year - Nathan Ellis
Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year - David Peacock
Success in Skills Leadership & Management - Tracey Lane
Micro Business Employer of the Year - Omega Electrical Services
SME Business Employer of the Year - David Youll
Large Business Employer of the Year - Centrax
The evening's final award was the coveted 'Excellence in Skills Award', presented to Tracey Lane from Fermoys, selected from the previous 11 category winners.
The judging panel felt that Tracey stood out not only because of her commitment to workforce development, but because she demonstrated a firm understanding of how training can positively impact the productivity and profitability of an organisation.
Tracey's manager David Noble said: "Tracey is an inspiring example of an employee who has overcome a poor educational background, low self-esteem and little self-belief to become a shining example of what hard-work, dedication and determination can achieve."
The event was drawn to a close by local businessman, Vince Flower, Director of The Shearings Group, Managing Director of Shearings Hotels Division and TDA Board Member.
Guests were entertained with live music from students of the South Devon College Music Collective.
Sponsors of the event included Centrax, Devon Education Business Partnership, GAP Recruitment, Herald Express, Paignton Sec Info Tech, South Devon College, TLH Leisure Resort, The Music Mill and Torbay Development Agency.
In addition, a group of students studying a Foundation Degree in Tourism and Hospitality at South Devon College assisted throughout the evening and were assessed as part of their studies.
Mayor of Torbay, Gordon Oliver said: "Congratulations to all finalists and winners at a spectacular ceremony. The Awards continue to get bigger and better each year and it's encouraging to see such a high standard of businesses and individuals operating in and around Torbay.
"With what looks to be a busy year ahead, businesses must make the most of our local workforce; its events like the Skills Awards that really help to reinforce the true value of employing locally."
Gareth Brocklehurst, Torbay Development Agency Board member and Chair of the Employment and Skills Board said: "The awards really showcased our superb local talent. It's great to see business that are driven by committed and ambitious individuals who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities they are given, a fantastic evening."
Deborah Passmore, Partnership Executive of Torbay Development Agency said: "Businesses are driven by talented business people who can help stimulate our local economy and generate additional future employment. The evening was a great success and it was truly inspiring to see such commitment in our workforce."
Back to Top | Last updated on 10.05.2012 at 15:31:08