West Yorkshire - Lifelong Learning Network

Celebration Event Dinner

West Yorkshire university and college staff, employers, local authorities, sector skills councils and other key organisations came together on 11th June to attend a prestigious Celebration Event and Awards Evening at Leeds Civic Hall.

Networking

The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the successes so far of the West Yorkshire Lifelong Learning Network (WYLLN) which is now entering its 3rd and final year. The project, a partnership of higher and further education institutions from across West Yorkshire, was established in 2007 as part of a national government-funded initiative to improve progression opportunities and guidance for vocational learners. Already, in just 2 years, the WYLLN has facilitated 44 clearer progression routes and has assisted almost 5000 work-based or vocational learners.

Professor Vivien Jones

Professor Vivien Jones, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds and Chair of the WYLLN Management Board welcomed everyone to the event and took the opportunity to wish the best of luck to 2 of the WYLLN board members who have left the network over the last 12 months, Professor Sue Frost from the University of Huddersfield and Edmund Wigan who recently retired as Principal of Leeds College of Art and Design. Lilian welcomed everyone to the event, in particular the award winners and their friends, families and supporters.

Peter Roberts

Steve Challenger, Executive Director of WYLLN then said a few words about the success of the network and thanked all of the partners for their contribution over the past 2 years.

Peter Roberts, Principal and Chief Executive of the newly formed Leeds City College attended the event and gave an after dinner speech. Peter will be joining Leeds City College in July and is looking forward to shaping the landscape of post-16 education and training in the Leeds City region.

Southdale Homes 'Employer of the Year'

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the West Yorkshire Adult Work-Based Learning Awards. 14 much-deserved winners, including employers, tutors and learners were recognised for their commitment to higher level skills.

List of Award Winners

Miriam Waithira - Winner of Learner Award in Health, Social Care and Early Years

All of the winner stories are inspirational to anyone wishing to embark on a higher education qualification while continuing to work and are evidence to employers that higher level skills can make a real difference to the performance of their business.

Professor Tim Thornton

At the end of the evening Professor Tim Thornton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield and Accountable Body Representative on the WYLLN Management Board gave some closing remarks. Tim congratulated all of the winners again on their hard work and thanked the sponsors for their support.

List of sponsors