Mum crowned region's Learner Of The Year

A TEACHING assistant and mum from Grimsby has been crowned Yorkshire and the Humber's VQ Learner of the Year 2013.

Nicola Barber beat off competition from around the region to claim the award, which was presented by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock MP and former Education Secretary Lord Baker.

She attended a prestigious event in Westminster to claim her title, as part of the sixth annual VQ Day celebrations.

After volunteering at her children's school, Nicola set her heart on becoming a primary school teacher.

Juggling the demands of two young children and a bout of illness, Nicola first supported herself through GCSEs in English and biology.

As reported, she then completed her intermediate City and Guilds course early and is now employed at Queen Mary's Avenue School, in Cleethorpes, as an apprentice teaching assistant, working towards her advanced qualification.

Nicola said: "I am so happy; it is great to have so much recognition for the hard work I have put into achieving my qualification and am proud to call myself a VQ learner today.

"This route has opened up a wealth of options, both in education and in work, that might not have been available to me had I not completed my qualification.

"I would encourage everyone to consider this route – no matter if you are 16 or 60, there's so much to be learned!"

Mr Hancock praised Nicola's outstanding achievement in the field of vocational learning.

He said: "Vocational qualifications provide immense benefits to both businesses and learners alike.

"I am delighted to be able to reward those who take part with the recognition they deserve, whether they are a business of any size or a learner who has started his own company."

VQ Day is led by the Edge Foundation, an independent education charity. It aims to celebrate practical and vocational achievements and recognises the value of vocational qualifications.

CEO Jan Hodges said: "Never has it been more important to provide young people with technical, practical and vocational learning, which ultimately offers genuine job prospects.

"Nicola is a great example of how this can be achieved and we are delighted to be celebrating her success on this sixth annual VQ Day."

For more information about VQ Day and the VQ Learner of the Year Awards, click here