We’re excited to announce, Ebbw Vale based Step into Education Tutor, Laura Wheeler, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Community Based Education Award’ from the Learning and Work Institute.

Nearly 50 people across Wales were nominated for the 2019 Inspire! Awards, which recognises people, projects and organisations whose learning achievements inspire others into education or further learning.

One of only nine winners, Laura was nominated for the sought after award by Llamau’s Step into Education Curriculum & Quality Co-Ordinator, Lisa Gardiner. Lisa detailed in her nomination ‘It is no exaggeration to say that she has saved lives with her professionalism and ability to manage situations that others would walk away from, saying that it was beyond their remit.’

Lisa went on to say;

I’m thrilled for Laura. She’s an exceptional tutor and a credit to Llamau and her learners. Laura has had a very challenging year but has continued to offer her team and learners unwavering support, seeing all her learners achieve numerous qualifications.

Laura is more than a tutor to her learners and is often the first person they ever open up to. Laura listens intently to understand a young learner’s passion and ambitions, working with them holistically to help them believe in themselves and go on to achieve brilliant things.

Head of Learning, Training and Employment, Mark Willmore said;

I’m very proud of Laura. She’s an inspirational person and tutor so it’s wonderful to see her being recognised with this award.

Laura is an absolute credit to our Step into Education programme, which works with young people hardest to reach and furthest away from mainstream education. She is the epitome of what we look for in our Step into Education tutors so I genuinely couldn’t be happier for her.

I’d also like to say well done to Anna Tuhey, our Barry based Step into Education tutor who was also nominated by Lisa and shortlisted for the award.

Laura initially began her journey with Llamau on a voluntary basis whilst training to become a Youth Worker. It was during her time working with Llamau’s Step into Education programme that she realised education was the sector she wanted to work in; subsequently taking up her full time role as a Tutor in 2017.

It's a bit crazy really - none of us do this job to win awards or for recognition, but it’s really lovely to see the impact that my "day job" has with the young people we support.

It's all credit to the Step into Education team as if we didn't all pull together, we couldn't deliver this support and service as well as we do for our learners.

Nominations for the 2020 Inspire! Awards are now open.

For more information on Llamau’s Step into Education programme and how you could apply to become a Tutor with us, contact Mark Willmore.