Joseph Hughes: 'Learner of the Year'

Rathbone Rochdale’s Learner of the Year Joseph Hughes with Rathbone’s managing director Linda Dean

Joseph Hughes won the 'Learner of the Year' prize at a special awards ceremony celebrating the success of learners at a youth support charity in Rochdale. Joseph, 17, has made huge strides in his health and social care qualification and in his English and Maths.

Joseph said: “I really enjoy coming to Rathbone and the help and support they have given me has given me the confidence to achieve my ambition of full time employment caring for the elderly or in animal care.”

Awards were handed out to learners at Rathbone by managing director Linda Dean at the charity’s Rochdale Centre and categories included the learners of the year in its health and social care, military preparation, business administration, maths and English courses.

“The event is all about us giving something back to our learners for all their hard work throughout the year. Many of the young people who come to us are facing a number of difficulties in their life and to see them work to overcome these obstacles and gain their qualifications which give them a platform to progress is something all of our staff are extremely proud of,” said Vicky Sinfield, Centre Business Manager for Rathbone Rochdale.

There were also honours for the most improved learner in each of the courses and those with full and most improved attendance. Awards were also given for improved confidence and learners who have given up their time to peer mentor other young people to help them succeed.

The awards were brought to a close with a surprise award to centre business managers at Rochdale Vicky Sinfield and Emma Mellor by all the staff and learners as a mark of their appreciation for the help and support they have given over the last year.

“The awards were a total shock to Vicky and I and to receive recognition from our staff and learners means a huge amount to us because we absolutely love the work we do for Rathbone,” said Emma Mellor.

Rathbone provides youth employability training to people aged 16-24 in Rochdale to support their progression to further education, training and work.

The charity also has 46 other centers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and last year they supported almost 11,000 young people.