College careers advisor wins national award

Ceri Wood with her national award

Careers advisor Ceri Wood who works at Hopwood Hall College is celebrating success in the 11th Careers Champion finals.

After thousands of votes, Ceri was crowned the Careers Champion ahead of finalists from across the country. The award recognises the contribution and impact of careers advice professionals in colleges and communities all over the UK.

Ceri commented: “It’s a real honour to receive the Careers Champion Award. I’m proud of the work we do as a team at Hopwood Hall College and I feel this award is a reflection on all of our efforts to support learners with their careers education and guidance.”

Testimonials praising Ceri’s work flooded in from all across the college and the borough. Colleague, Tamara Baldwin, recalls meeting Ceri in the community a number of years ago for careers advice:

“Ceri’s support changed my life! When I met Ceri I could see how dedicated she was to her role and clients. She was really patient with me whilst I explored my career options and followed up with me after our appointment to see how I was getting on, helping me to get into a career in further education. Her help changed my life.”

One parent’s comments on the careers support they received said: “My son and I visited Ceri recently and I was so pleased and impressed with the service. We won’t forget her help, she has made a difference in my son’s life and he is much more confident about his future now.”

The win came as a surprise to Ceri, who was overwhelmed by the support from students, staff and the whole of the community. She said: “I’d really like to thank everyone that got behind me and supported me during the finals.”

Hopwood Hall College Careers Leader, Michael Monks, noted: “Even before winning this award everyone in the careers and work experience team knew that Ceri was a champion. Feedback on her work from learners studying entry level qualifications all the way up to higher education degrees at the college has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Liz Duncan, Assistant Principal, commented: “It is absolutely fantastic to see Ceri win this award. Everyone at Hopwood Hall College supports the careers and employability strategy that runs through our entire curriculum, helping to give our learners the competitive edge in today’s education and job market.

“The work we are doing with employers to shape our curriculum and to provide a range of work experience and extended 350 hour industry placement opportunities for learners really highlights how we are bringing careers, curriculum and industry together to improve the life chances of learners whilst supporting the local economy.”