Sheffield College students who have shown exceptional dedication to their studies this academic year have been recognised at an annual awards ceremony.
The Student Celebration Awards 2021 focussed on the achievements of vocational and academic students and comprised 15 categories.
Around 200 guests, including students and their families as well as college staff and governors, attended the event held online on June 24th, 2021.
Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, said: “Our award winning students and nominees have shown incredible commitment and determination in the face of considerable challenges and achieved more than they thought was possible.”
She added: “I could not be prouder of our students, particularly given the additional impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and wish them every success as they go further in their education and careers.”
This year’s awards winners are:
- Creative and Design Student of the Year – Jayne Palmer
- Engineering, Construction and Technology Student of the Year – Bradley Denton
- Health and Science Student of the Year – Lodmilla Khalil
- Animal Care, Land-based, Sport, Protective Services and Business Student of the Year – Bilaal Ali
- Higher Education and Academic Studies Student of the Year – Kieran Williams
- English and Maths Student of the Year – Conor Pass
- Inclusion Student of the Year – Brandan Gray
- Employer Skills Academy Recognition Award – Tshibangu (Isaac) Mukendi
- 16-18 Achievement Award – Ethan Mawer
- Higher Education Achievement Award – Harriet Massey
- Adult Achievement Award – Christopher Barnard
- Apprenticeship Award – Liam Hayes
- Students’ Union Choice Award – Demi-Leigh Lowe
- Outstanding Achievement Award – Rebecca Harrison
- Chair of Governors’ Choice Award - Lodmilla Khalil
Lodmilla Khalil, 22, missed out on education in her native Syria from the age of 12 to 18 due to the conflict there. When she arrived in the UK, she had no qualifications. Since moving to Sheffield with her family, Lodmilla has completed ESOL courses at The Sheffield College and achieved GCSE English and Maths.
She has also just completed a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science at Level 3 and now plans to study a Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Huddersfield - one of four university offers that Lodmilla currently holds.
Commenting on her extraordinary educational journey and winning both the Health and Science Student of the Year Award and the Chair of Governors’ Choice Award, Lodmilla said: “I am over the moon about winning these awards. It feels as though all the hard work has paid off. My mum attended the online ceremony too. She was crying when my name was called.”
She explained: “When I arrived at The Sheffield College, I had no qualifications to my name. It wasn’t possible to go to school in Syria for a long time because of the bombing. Parents were too frightened to send their children. It wasn’t safe and some of the schools were destroyed.
“Now I have learnt a new language, am predicted to get high grades and am looking forward to going to university. My college tutors have been wonderful. I have really enjoyed my vocational course. I feel strongly that vocational qualifications need to be viewed as having equal value to A Levels.
“Like everyone else, I found it tough studying during the pandemic. But it’s important to remember that the difficult times eventually pass. You have to look to the future, find a way to stay motivated and keep trying to do the best that you can.”
Rebecca Harrison, 28, has completed the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Apprenticeship at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ Jessop Wing. Combining practical hospital experience with learning at The Sheffield College, the apprenticeship has offered Rebecca the opportunity to gain maternity care skills and knowledge.
Commenting on winning the College’s Outstanding Achievement Award, Rebecca said: “It’s been lovely to have been nominated for the award. I felt shocked and happy to win it. Returning to education after a long period of time made me feel nervous as I didn’t know what to expect.”
She continued: “Working in uncertain times during the pandemic was hard alongside completing the apprenticeship. Juggling assignments, work, maths studies and family life was also tough to balance. But I pushed forward and with the support of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and The Sheffield College I have successfully completed the apprenticeship with a distinction grade.
“It’s made a massive difference to me personally and professionally. The apprenticeship has opened so many doors and given me a wealth of knowledge and experiences that I am so grateful for. The college environment was brilliant. I felt safe, valued and respected.
“I am very grateful for the opportunities and support that I have received from the Jessop Wing at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and The Sheffield College. I would like to say a very special thank you to Rachelle Lewis (Tutor), Alison Salmon (Clinical Educator) and Adele Stanley (Clinical Educator) for their support and guidance throughout the apprenticeship. Each of these individuals were a crucial part in my success, development and progression.”
Rebecca is progressing to a learning and development role within the Trust and embarking on a teaching qualification at Level 5. Her advice to others is: “Don’t limit yourself. Embrace change and allow yourself to grow and flourish. Take opportunities and keep pushing beyond your comfort zone. It may lead you to a path you never thought you’d be on or get to. I never thought I would have achieved what I have –just believe in yourself and seek support.”
Tshibangu Mukendi, 44, has completed the Start Up Business Hub programme, that supports entrepreneurial students with their business ideas, and is backed by the College’s Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Business and Enterprise Academy.
Tshibangu, who won the Employer Skills Academy Recognition Award, said: “I feel very humbled to have received this award. I have learnt new skills that have improved my knowledge about entrepreneurship, enhanced my vision of self-employment and helped me to believe more in myself.”
He added: “I would like to express my profound gratitude to The Sheffield College for their impressive dedication to organising valuable sessions where they invite speakers including successful entrepreneurs whose experiences are inspirational. I would also like to thank Steve Manley for his brilliant idea of creating this platform that is motivating young people to build confidence to become entrepreneurs.”
Places are still available for this September. For more information, please visit our courses website page or call 0114 2602600.
