Accessing a training grant to go on a chainsaw course has been life changing for Tracey Guiller who yesterday (10 March) won the first ever Outstanding Women and Work Learner of the Year Award at Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire.
Organised by Lantra Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, the Women and Work Awards 2010 celebrated some of the sectors most inspirational and driven women who have accessed funding to change their lives, careers and businesses.
Women and Work Champion and Deputy Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Baroness Prosser OBE, said:
"This has been an enjoyable and inspirational event. It was very heartening to meet so many women who have the determination to move forward and see how Women and Work has helped them fulfil their ambitions.”
Having suffered with depression and anxiety for a number of years, Tracey found that carrying out hard physical work in a peaceful woodland and the achievement of passing a difficult course lifted her both mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
On winning her award Tracey said:
“Today has been incredible and to win the award even more so. Having used Women and Work funding to access a chainsaw course I came back with a new outlook on life and since last summer so many things have fallen into place.”
Women who access funding are supported by a Skills Coach, who were also recognised at the awards for their role in mentoring and helping women to get the most from the Women and Work programme. Awarded with the Skills Coach of the Year was Angela Kimberley, of Angela Kimberley Associates and Tracey’s mentor.
Angela said:
“It has been an honour to have worked with so many women who are passionate about their personal development and the industry in which they work. Watching these ladies progress through their training and their careers has been very inspirational.”
Lantra also announced that phase four of the Women and Work programme will start in April 2010 until March 2011, helping another 670 women to develop their skills, careers and businesses.
Women and Work Programme Manager, Lyndsay Bird, said:
"Today has been an opportunity to recognise the hard work and personal input from just a few of the many women who have accomplished great results through developing new skills.”
On the day seven ladies were presented with Women and Work Learners of the Year Awards in the eligible areas of agriculture, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, landscaping, production horticulture and trees and timber.
Contact us to register your interest for the next phase of the Women and Work programme.
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