Three Lincolnshire learners are recognised for their accomplishments
The Greater Lincolnshire Learner of the Year awards celebrates the achievements and follow-on success of some of our amazing adult learners.
During the Lincolnshire Show, Harry Eddowes, Howie Cheung and Martin Spencer were awarded with certificates and plaques at a special awards ceremony to recognise their achievements.
Thea Croxall, Adult Learning and Skills Manager at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The learner of the year awards are a fantastic time to recognise the achievements of dedicated learners from across the county, but also to celebrate the incredible power of education.
“Each of our winners have shown us that learning is a door that’s never closed and can open a range of new opportunities.
“Taking the first steps can be the hardest part, but our learning teams and tutors are friendly, helpful, and will work with you to achieve your goals.”
Provided through 2aspire and delivered by providers across the county, there is a wide variety of courses covering many disciplines.
From wellbeing to IT, numeracy to English, and employability courses designed to prepare learners for the workforce, there is an opportunity to appeal to everyone.
Find out more about what courses are on offer for adults across Lincolnshire at 2aspire.org.uk.
Greater Lincolnshire’s Learners of the Year 2025
Harry Eddowes
After years of being unemployed with ill-health, Harry Eddowes is working towards gaining a job having successfully taken part in training.
He was desperate to return to work but recognised that he had to upskill if he was to achieve his ambition of working in the catering industry.
After completing a first aid awareness course, Harry attended a Food Hygiene, Safety and Handling course, along with Understanding Food Labelling at Gainsborough Trinity Foundation to fully understand food allergens and the ingredients contained within food.
Harry said: “I just needed to get up, get the ball rolling, stop thinking about it and do something about it”.
“Doing the courses at Gainsborough Trinity Foundation gave me the necessary information to keep my skills updated to be able to provide quality fresh food, cooked in a timely manner.”
Martin Spencer
Martin suffered a difficult time in 2024 with health issues that caused him to become unemployed.
However, Martin was determined to rebuild his career and completed a course at Lincoln College including a driver logistics qualification, CV writing, applying for a job and interview skills.
He then gained a place on the college’s fully funded HGV driver training programme, completing his practical driver training within 10 days and passed his test - gaining his full HGV licence.
Martin then went out and found his own employment at DK Tippers in Lincoln.
Tracey Breeze, Lincoln College co-ordinator, said: “We accepted Martin on the driver training course because of his determination and strength that he had already shown in his recovery - we really wanted to help him achieve his goal.
“Martin did not want to give up as many may have done in his situation and he never let his disability hold him back.”
Howie Cheung
Howie, who is originally from Hong Kong, knew that she needed to improve her English language skills to have a chance of furthering her career and to support her child’s education.
She began with an Accredited English course in January 2024, where she impressed her tutor, Helen Freeman, by working hard in class and with her homework, as well as watching English language tv and reading in English.
“She is one of the most motivated students I have taught,” said Helen.
In January, Howie successfully applied for a clinical healthcare support worker role at Lincoln County Hospital.
Having worked in healthcare in Hong Kong, progressing to work at the hospital has been a dream come true for Howie.