Top performing students from Gainsborough, Lincoln and Newark took centre stage at Lincoln College’s Annual Awards Ceremony.

A total of 57 awards were presented to students from all three campuses in recognition of their hard work and commitment.

The Ellison’s/Salon Wear Direct Outstanding Student Award (19 years and over) in the Hairdressing category went to Tanya Hurst from Blyton near Gainsborough.

Tutor Angela Haberton, who nominated Tanya for the award, said: “Tanya is currently studying a Level 3 Award in Creatively Cutting Men’s Hair and has achieved a lot during her time at college.

“She decided to retrain as a hairdresser in 2012 and passed her Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications with Distinctions and in 2013 she was crowned national champion at the prestigious Association of Hairdressers and Therapists competition.”

Tanya said she was overjoyed to have won: “This award means a lot to me as I feel like I’ve really found my niche. I used to own my own HR company but I wanted to do something more creative so I sold my business and enrolled on a hairdressing course at Gainsborough College.

“Going back to college aged 44 was quite daunting at first but I’ve gained a lot of skills and confidence. I’m now working at Lincoln College as a salon receptionist and assessor whilst continuing my studies. I really enjoy being at work now and I’m always telling other people it’s never too late to learn!”

Margaret Serna, Chair of the Board of Corporation of Lincoln College, said: “Tanya is a shining example of the many excellent students who attend our campuses in Lincoln, Newark and Gainsborough.

“The standard of entries was very high and the judges had a very difficult job; however, they all agreed Tanya was a worthy winner. I would like to congratulate her and wish her continued success in the future.”

The awards, which were presented to the students by Air Commodore Chris Luck, Commandant at RAF College Cranwell, were sponsored by businesses from across the East Midlands.

During the ceremony on Friday 21^st November in Deans Sport & Leisure on Lincoln College’s Monks Road campus, former Student of the Year winner Sandie Webster took to the stage to talk about her success. Sandie, who is a mum and runs her own business, studied Painting and Decorating and won Gold at the national final of SkillBuild 2013, the UK’s largest multi-trade competition.

Guests were also treated to performances by Isobel Foster, star of the John Lewis Christmas advert and a student at The Gainsborough Academy, who sang live on stage, and Lincoln College’s Performing Arts students.

CEO Gary Headland said it was a fantastic occasion: “I would like to congratulate all of our award winners many of whom have overcome huge challenges to get to where they are today. We heard some really inspiring stories which made me feel immensely proud of the college, the students and of course the staff.

“Our key purpose is to train and educate the workforce of the future and we work closely with local businesses to find out what skills are needed to meet the demands of our economy. Their engagement with the college is fundamental to our success and I would like to thank all of the businesses who sponsored the awards as without them we wouldn’t have been able to stage such a memorable evening. I am delighted they see the value in engaging with us and spotting a future potential staff member early.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

• Lincoln College is the largest educational institution in the county with 10,000 students across three campuses in Lincoln, Gainsborough and Newark.
• It is the largest provider of business training and skills in Lincolnshire providing training for around 1,200 businesses in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
• The college is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and has a wide range of full, part-time and short courses for students aged 16 and above, including university-level courses.

About The Lincoln College Group:

• Founded upon a concept of ‘synergy’, The Lincoln College Group comprises a number of like-minded organisations with a shared purpose of providing exceptional education, training and related services to their students.
• Currently providing secondary, further and higher education, the Group includes Lincoln College (with its campuses in Lincoln, Newark and Gainsborough and operations in China) and two secondary school academies: The Newark Academy and The Gainsborough Academy. It also encompasses Deans Sport and Leisure, a commercial sports centre based in Lincoln City Centre.
• Lincoln College International, a project to develop and run three Colleges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the latest addition to the Group.
• The Lincoln College Group is also the lead sponsor of the Lincoln UTC which opened in September 2014.

For further information please contact:
Kate Strawson
Director, Shooting Star PR
kate@weareshootingstar.co.uk
01522 528540
@KateStrawson