Future looks brighter under skills spotlight

Lenny Henry

The spotlight shone on Yorkshire and the Humber’s skills landscape as the Celebration of Learning and Skills (CoLaS) 2009 was launched on 4 February 2009, at the Carriageworks in Leeds, highlighting the success of employers and individuals who are investing in skills and training to help them survive the gloomy economic climate.

Stepping on to the stage to join the launch of CoLaS was Fosters Bakery, the Barnsley based food manufacturer that is rapidly expanding thanks to its investment in building up a well-skilled workforce, along with Claire Harrison, who was named 2008 National Apprentice of the Year for her achievements during an Apprenticeship at Dales Pharmaceuticals in Skipton.

The launch marked the beginning of the search to find the top achievements of young people, employers and adults, determined to gain the skills to get on at work, in life and for business success. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the Harrogate International Centre on 21 May 2009. This year’s CoLaS will incorporate the regional heats of the Apprenticeships Awards, highlighting the benefits of this training route to employers and individuals. Winners of these categories will automatically be entered into the prestigious National Apprenticeship Awards.

(L-R) Michael Taylor, operations director at
Fosters Bakery,Margaret Coleman, regional
director for the LSC in Yorkshire and the
Humber and National Apprentice of the Year
2008, Claire Harrison at the CoLaS
2009 launch

Comedian and actor Lenny Henry is to step on stage to host CoLaS. As one of Britain’s best known faces on the stage Lenny Henry has already made his mark on the region showcasing some new skills of his own, as the lead role of Othello this month at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Lenny Henry said: ‘Having challenged myself by playing the role of Othello for the first time, I've discovered how rewarding it is to push yourself to discover new skills that will help in your career and in life, which is why I'm supporting CoLaS 2009.  I'm really looking forward to hosting the CoLaS awards and meeting some of the outstanding people that are grasping the opportunity to learn, or are helping others to acquire new skills, because these brilliant achievements deserve celebrating! I salute them all.’

Margaret Coleman, regional director for the LSC in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: ‘CoLaS 2009 will illuminate the rich tapestry of skills and learning we have in Yorkshire and the Humber and will show just how crucial these are to the success of employers of all sizes and sectors and individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life.’

‘I know that despite the challenging economic climate, there is so much to celebrate in our region and CoLaS is about finding the shining lights out there in these stormy economic times and in doing so showing others how to get better skilled for success.’

Claire Harrison said: ‘My Apprenticeship has made my confidence soar. Before I started I had nothing to show for myself. I now understand that I can complete a high-standard of work and achieve qualifications to really help me get on in life. I feel a great sense of achievement from completing my Apprenticeship.’

For further information and to apply for a CoLaS 2009 award visit http://www.lsc.gov.uk/colasyh09