Kennedy Scott "Delighted" as Luton Pair Honoured with Adult Learning Awards
Kennedy Scott Luton is celebrating after two of their Luton-based clients have been recognised in the Adult Learners' Week Bedfordshire and Luton Awards. The pair, who have both received support from Kennedy Scott were honoured in a ceremony on Friday 19 June at the University.
Artur Golinski from Luton, who had previously been working as a tiler and plasterer had found it difficult to find work due to significant health problems that employers found it difficult to see past. He was referred to Kennedy Scott, who enrolled him on a number of courses to improve his employability, and helped him look for jobs in alternative sectors. Soon, Artur got a job at Luton’s MFA Bowl and, with the continued support of Kennedy Scott, has gone from strength to strength, taking on both a Maintenance Technician and Security Officer role. After completing his training course to become a Security Officer, Artur returned to Kennedy Scott to say that he was going to Skype his mum so that “she can see me smile.”
Artur received the Learning into Work Award which recognises an individual in Bedfordshire or Luton whose learning has helped them into employment. He also received the most prestigious award of the evening, the Adult Learning Champion Trophy.
Kennedy Scott also saw a second client receive an award. Mandy Speight was referred to Kennedy Scott in December 2014 by the Job Centre, after leaving her job in a café to care for her mother. Sadly her mother passed away, leaving Mandy feeling depressed and having to give up her family home. However, Mandy worked with Kennedy Scott to create an action plan and complete a number of Adult Learning Courses, leading her to gain 3 accredited qualifications. In March this year, Mandy got a full time job in the Premier Inn kitchen, with her employers saying “she is an absolute delight.”
Mandy received the Lifelong Learner Award, which recognises an individual over the age of 50 who has become engaged with adult learning.
Speaking about these achievements, Patrick Hyde, Employment Consultant at Kennedy Scott Luton who nominated both Mandy and Artur for their awards said:
“The Adult Learners Week Awards are a fantastic showcase of some truly inspirational stories of learners in our area and once again Kennedy Scott learners are recognised for their individual achievements.”
Kennedy Scott delivers the Work Choice programme in Luton, as well as specific programmes to help the over 50s and those with mental health problems get back into work. They have worked with hundreds of people across Luton, and have a strong record of helping to get people back into work.
The Adult Learning Awards celebrate achievement and recognise good practice in the field of learning across Bedfordshire and Luton. They aim to highlight the value and huge variety of activities and methods that are used throughout Bedfordshire and Luton to promote adult learning.
(L-R) Angela Rowney, Patrick Hyde, Mandy Speight, Ewa Depka, Project Co-ordinator for The Learning Partnership and Debbie Poole-Hunt from Luton Adult Learning
(L-R) Patrick Hyde, Artur Golinski and Angela Rowney from Luton Borough Council