The Department for Education and Skills (DFES) has launched its fourth annual awards to recognise individuals and support teams in the learning and skills sector.
The Star Awards were set up to reward people and teams who “have a transformational effect on learners and colleagues alike, aiding social mobility and having a profound impact on the wider economy”.
Bill Rammell, minister for lifelong learning, further and higher education, said that it is essential that the government acknowledges and publicly thanks inspirational individuals for their hard work and dedication.
“Recognition is important too as it enables others to share good practice, thereby improving the quality and delivery of education, motivating learners and helping the workforce to compete internationally,” he said.
To be eligible, nominees must work in the learning and skills sector in an organisation or institution that is at least partly funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
Nominations for the Star Awards can come from learners, managers, tutors and trainers and from workplaces across the country, including further education colleges, work-based providers, prisons, adult and community learning centres and UK online centres.
Nominations can be made online at www.dfes.gov.uk/starawards. The deadline for entries is midnight, 21 April 2006.
