Nursing student named Stoke's Learner of the Year

STAFFORDSHIRE University student and mother-of-two Catherine Chadwick has been named Stoke-on-Trent’s Learner of the Year.

Best-selling record producer Pete Waterman presented Catherine with her accolade at the prestigious LearnMore Awards at Kings Hall.

The annual event, spearheaded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Enterprise and Skills team, celebrates the region’s most outstanding achievements by learners, educators and employers.

Catherine, 38, from Meir, was chosen by a panel of judges for her dedication to learning.

Despite having no qualifications after leaving school at 16 to have her first child, she eventually returned to education, completed her GCSEs and A-levels at Stoke-on-Trent College, and is now studying for a degree in nursing at Staffordshire University.

She said: “When I was a little girl I had always wanted to be a nurse but, after I fell pregnant at a young age, I never thought I had a chance.

“Not having any qualifications really knocked my confidence and I never thought I would be able to do it. I can't believe how far I have come.”

Staffordshire University graduate Carole Domanski was also nominated for the Learner of the Year Award.

This was one of nine awards throughout the evening. Among them was the Employer of the Year/Commitment to Skills, sponsored by the University and presented by Professor Michael Gunn to Choices Houses Association (pictured). Steelite International was also nominated.

The ceremony’s compere, Martin Tideswell from The Sentinel, said: “This evening demonstrates that North Staffordshire has much to be proud of – and much to look forward to – thanks to its inspirational educators and learners.

“It’s genuinely a real privilege for a Stokie like me to be here again tonight hosting what is a wonderful celebration of local talent, creativity and endeavour.”

And Stoke-on-Trent City Councillor Mark Meredith, a member of the judging panel for the awards, added: “I’m thrilled the LearnMore Awards were again such a stunning success.

“Everyone worked so hard to make them the truly glittering occasion they were. I’m incredibly proud of how prestigious these awards have become and how sought after.

“It proves yet again that the best way to transform your life is through education.”