Learners Scoop Top National Award
Two learners from Wythenshawe have been selected from over 21,000 individuals across England to win prestigious YMCA Training Achievement Awards in honour of their exceptional achievements.
18-year-old Damon Stevenson was awarded the Entry to Employment Achiever of the Year award and Anthony McManus, 55, scooped the Skills for Employment Achiever of the Year at the event.
YMCA Training’s Annual Achievement Awards recognise how individuals have demonstrated commitment, hard work and outstanding achievement during their time with YMCA Training, through gaining qualifications, developing personal qualities and obtaining a positive progression to further education, training or employment.
Damon joined the e2e programme at YMCA Training Wythenshawe with very little confidence and low self-esteem. He desperately wanted to better his education but had little faith that he could achieve anything because of his past behaviour at school.
Despite all the issues that Damon faced when first referred to YMCA Training, he has become a role model to new learners, offering support and encouragement whilst maintaining a high level of respect for those working with him from staff to peers.
He accessed a long term work placement gaining his Fire Training Certificate and his CSCS Certificate. He has now started a course at Stockport College on a level 2 construction course.
Damon said: “Winning this award means a lot to me. When I was in school I was always kicked out of the classrooms because of my behaviour and attitude but since I have been at YMCA my confidence has grown in taking exams and working with others.”
Lesley Heath, training adviser at YMCA Training Wythenshawe, said: “Damon has transformed over the year from a shy quiet reclusive young person into a highly confident and able young man – he remained focused upon any task that was set for him and always offered to help those around him.”
Tony enrolled onto our Employability Skills Programme at YMCA Training Wythenshawe after being made redundant from his job. He had worked on a production line for 20 years and had risen to supervisor despite the fact that he had learning difficulties.
Tony attended our programme diligently, was industrious in his study and tried his hardest to achieve the task in hand be it numeracy or literacy - he was always first in line to help a new student settle into the programme.
Tony’s confidence grew over the weeks and on the day, he went to a job interview believing in himself once more.
He was successful in the interview and started working as a crossing warden for Manchester City Council in March 2009
Tony said: “I am now 55 years old and receiving this award is the greatest achievement of my life. Achieving my entry 3 certificate in maths that was the biggest thing ever to me and winning this award is like winning the lottery.”
Tony’s placement adviser, Jackie Heutson, said: “Each task was a giant hurdle for Tony to climb but his determination never faltered. Tony pops in to see us from time to time, and from the timid stammering gentleman that joined our programme eight months ago, we now welcome a friend who has self-assurance and confidence.”
The event was sponsored by John Penrose, MP for Weston-super-Mare, with the winners being presented their awards by TV presenter Diane Louise Jordan and YMCA Training chief executive, Anne Linsey, at the Palace of Westminster.
Chief executive of YMCA Training, Anne Linsey, said: “All of our award winners this year have shown real tenacity and drive in achieving their goals. They are an inspiration to all of us, and we wish them the best of luck for the future.”