Tracey's a shining example of skills awards

LAST year's overall winner of the South Devon Skills Award has urged others to enter, because they are worth it.

Tracey Lane works at Fermoy's Gardens at Ipplepen.

Last year she won the award not only in Success in Skills Leadership and Management but the coveted overall Excellence in Skills Award. She was one of 11 award winners recognised at a special presentation night and a finalist in the tutor, trainer or mentor who most inspires others to learn category.

Entries are currently being sought for the third annual South Devon Skills Awards, being held as part of the inaugural South Devon Skills Festival.

Organised by Torbay Development Agency, with partners Torbay Council and South Devon College, and with the support of MAS Works, the awards are part of its on-going commitment to support local enterprise and encourage businesses to develop and grow. The awards presentations will take place at the Skills Festival on April 12.

The awards aim to celebrate excellence in skills and acknowledge the many outstanding achievements in business over the past year in the local area. There are a number of award categories — both individual and employer focused.

Last year's judging panel felt Tracey stood out, not only because of her commitment to workforce development but because she demonstrated a firm understanding of how training can positively impact the productivity and profitability of an organisation. Fermoy's general manager David Noble, who nominated her, said: "Tracey is an inspiring example of an employee who has overcome a poor educational background, low self-esteem and little self-belief to become a shining example of what hard-work, dedication and determination can achieve."

Tracey is catering manager at the complex, and also runs the deli, bakery and ice cream hut with 45 staff, said she went back to work after some 15 years as a housewife.

She said: "I was shocked, amazed and really pleased when I heard I had won. I think the fact someone completely independent of Fermoy's has faith in me for what I am doing has given me more confidence in myself and has spurred me on even more.

"I would definitely encourage other people to enter it. I have told all my staff to enter. Life is down to you and what you want out of it, if you want it you can get it."

The closing date for entries is March 15 and the judging day takes place a week later on March 22, with the winners announced on April 12.

The categories are:

achieving skills for life

the tutor, trainer or mentor who most inspires others to learn

the employee who most inspires others to learn

learning against the odds

young apprentice of the year (age 14 to 16)

intermediate level apprentice of the year (level 2)

advanced level apprentice of the year (level 3 or higher)

success in skills leadership and management.

skills in micro-businesses employer of the year (one to nine employees) sponsored by South Devon College

skills in small and medium businesses employer of the year (10 to 250)

skills in large businesses employer of the year (250 plus employees)

skills in the third sector employer of the year.

Information on how to enter these awards or to nominate someone can be found by logging on to www.heexcellenceawards.co.uk or call Justin Hall, Herald Express events and business development executive, on 01392 207141 or 07703 502478.

Interested parties can download applications for the individual and employer categories from the website.