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Winners of The Bill Skill Awards 2008

The Big Skill Awards 2008, run by the Learning And Skills Council (LSC) in partnership with ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Norfolk, announced this year's winners at an outdoor awards ceremony at The Forum, Norwich.

"We received more than 70 nominations from learners across Norfolk who have all been successful in their learning and should be very proud of their achievements," said Tim Bishop, the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ East's head of region and chair of The Big Skill judging panel.

Presented by Kenny Logan, a former Scottish rugby international and star of Strictly Come Dancing, the awards recognise and reward people who have improved their life or the lives of others through learning.

The winners in the seven categories are:

14 - 16 Learner Award
• Kayleigh Topley, 16,Ìý from Norwich
17 – 19 Award
• Chad Hogben, 19, from Swaffham
Adult Learner Award
• Christian Ashworth, 34, from Great Yarmouth
Skills for the Community Award
• Lorraine Waller, 26, from Norwich
Skills for Work Award
• Karen Archer, 40, from Norwich
Workforce Learning Award
• Premier Foods in Thetford
The Learners’ Champion Award
• Sharon Holsey, 50, from North Walsham

The Big Skill Excellence Award

In addition, there was also a champion-of-champions award known as The Big Skill Excellence Award. Selected from the winners of each category, the accolade went to 19-year-old Chad Hogben from Swaffham.

Chad collects his award from Kenny Logan

"Our award for The Big Skill Excellence Award went to Chad Hogben, a highly determined and dedicated learner who has achieved a great deal at his workplace through his bricklaying apprenticeship but also in his personal life too," said Tim Bishop.

"Chad's enthusiasm and motivation for learning is an inspiration and a fine example of all that the Big Skill Awards stand for," he added.

Winners were presented with a trophy and £250 of vouchers by Kenny Logan, who is well-known for his own abilities to learn a new skill when he competed in the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s Strictly Come Dancing.

Big Skill showcase

The Big Skill Awards ceremony followed a free day-long showcase event outside The Forum where members of the public could try their hand at different skills that are taught by colleges and training providers in Norfolk.

Stephen Bumfrey (left) at showcase event

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Norfolk presenters showed their support for The Big Skill by demonstrating the new skills they have been learning since project launched in February.

Four presenters have taken up new learning opportunities and successfully completed courses: Stephen Bumfrey – cookery, Nicky Price – singing, Graham Barnard – driving a bus and Karen Buchanan – Indian head massage.

"The Big Skill has done a fantastic job of raising awareness of the learning and training opportunities on offer in Norfolk," said Graham Brough, area director at LSC Norfolk.

"Chad and our other award winners will hopefully be an inspiration to others and show that it is possible to overcome challenges and learn new skills that can open doors and change lives for the better," he added.

Big Skill runners-up who were highly commended included:

14 - 16 Learner Award
• Charlotte Overton, 16,Ìý from Norwich
• Carl Harder, 15, from Thetford
17 – 19 Award
• Oliver Bock-Brown, 17,Ìý from Norwich
• Natasha Canham, 17, from North Walsham
Adult Learner Award
• Annette Purchase, 50, from Norwich
• Graeme Brinded, 46, from Potter Heigham
Skills for Work Award
• Magdalena Kostuch, 32, from Norwich
• Robert Upson, 20, from Lowestoft
Workforce Learning Award
• Lotus Cars in Hethel, near Wymondham
• May Gurney in Trowse, Norwich
The Learners’ Champion Award
• Richard King, 24, from Thetford
• Sally Church, 55, from Neatishead